Principal Planning Policy Officer

Job Overview:

The Principal Planning Policy Officer plays a key role in delivering the Organization's statutory planning functions, including the Local Plan, place-making, regeneration, and infrastructure planning. The Principal Planning Policy Officer will also be reporting to the Planning Policy Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide expert planning policy advice and lead key policy projects.
2. Ensure that corporate objectives align with national, regional, and local planning frameworks.
3. Manage external consultancies (with budgets typically between £50k-£200k per project).
4. Supervise planning officers.
5. Represent the Organization as an expert witness at public examinations.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications:

1. Extensive knowledge of Local Plan preparation.
2. Knowledge of Policy Evaluation.
3. Knowledge of Infrastructure Planning and development management.
4. Degree in Town Planning (or a related field).
5. Be eligible for RTPI membership.
6. Demonstrate strong project management, analytical, and communication skills.

The Principal Planning Policy Officer also plays a vital role in community engagement, corporate strategy implementation, and ensuring compliance with planning legislation, health and safety policies, and safeguarding requirements.