Principal Planning Officer - WMF3074e

Job reference REQ

Date posted: 18/06/2026 Application closing date: 05/07/2026

Location: Barrow, Kendal

Salary: £47,181 - £48,226

About this opportunity

Westmorland and Furness Council is a new unitary Council combining Barrow-in-Furness, Eden and South Lakeland districts.

We are looking for a Principal Planning Officer (Development Management) to sign off delegated reports, support planning committees, manage a case load of complex applications, lead and motivate planning teams, advise on complex cases, and work with the Area Manager to ensure efficient planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Sign off delegated reports.
• Attend and support planning committees.
• Manage a case load of complex planning applications.
• Deal with appeals and public inquiries.
• Lead and motivate teams of planning professionals.
• Advise on complex planning cases.
• Work with the Area Manager to manage the planning process effectively.

Qualifications

• Qualified planner and Chartered member of the RTPI.
• Relevant degree or qualification.
• Previous relevant experience in planning.
• Experience dealing with appeals and public inquiries.
• Strong experience leading and motivating teams.
• Good IT skills.
• Ability to research case law and good practice.

Benefits

• Competitive pension scheme.
• Enhanced annual leave allowance.
• Various perks and discount schemes.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and promote an inclusive culture that values and celebrates differences. We guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, to Armed Forces personnel and veterans, and to those in care or under 24 years old who meet essential criteria.