Lead Officer Planning and Transport Strategy

Halton Borough Council; Farnworth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

34 days holidays

LGPS

Life cover 3x

Personal development

Free car parking

Flexible working 60/40

Employee perks platform

Job summary

Halton Borough Council is seeking a Lead Officer for Planning & Transport Policy to join its Forward Planning team. You will lead Local Plan making, coordinate evidence, and prepare reports for boards and public audiences.

We expect at least 6 years in Planning & Transport Policy experience, an RTPI-accredited degree, and a proven track record in leading Public Consultations and Examinations in Public. The role offers 37 hours, a permanent contract, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years in Planning & Transport Policy.
• RTPI accredited degree.
• Experience leading Local Plan policy development.
• Ability to present to boards and manage evidence base.

Responsibilities

• Lead Local Plan making in line with NPPF.
• Coordinate and review local evidence base.
• Write and present reports to boards.
• Lead public consultations.
• Represent Halton at Examination in Public.

Skills

Planning Policy

Public Consultation

Examinations in Public

Local Plan

Education

RTPI accredited degree

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Halton Borough Council

Lead Officer Planning and Transport Strategy

Job Reference haltoncouncil/TP/768/647

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Salary FTE:

Working Hours:

37

Location:

Halton Borough Council

Closing Date:

13/09/2026

Job Category:

Planning

Directorate:

Environment and Regeneration Directorate

Department:

Policy, Planning and Transportation

Job Introduction

37 hours per week

Our Story:

Halton is a vibrant local authority with a rich history and heritage, featuring three iconic bridges that connect communities across the River Mersey. Located in Cheshire, Halton boasts excellent transport links between Liverpool and Manchester, as well as close proximity to both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester Airports.

Our progressive community strategy aims to bring about meaningful, long-term improvements that enhance lives. It's an exciting time to join us as we develop new policies and transform the way people access services.

We are immensely proud that when asked what’s great about working for Halton, the most popular response from our workforce has been 'our colleagues'.

Our Team:

Halton are looking for a motivated Lead Officer – for Planning & Transport Policyto join its Forward Planning team.

Halton adopted its ambitious Local Plan in 2022 which provides a platform for future generations to live, work and visit, and it’s about to embark on it journey to develop its next Local Plan. We are looking for an experienced Principal Planning Policy Officer who is ready to take the next step to become Halton’s Lead Planning and Transport Policy Officer.

We would expect you to have a minimum of 6 years Planning & Transport Policy experience, hold a RTPI accredited degree and demonstrable, experience of leading key planning policy to develop a Local Plan Policies that will directly contribute to the growth and development of the Borough.

By joining our team, you’ll be at the centre of the action – revitalising neighbourhoods, developing new public spaces, delivering on our sustainability priorities, and improving infrastructure.

Your Contributions:

As a Lead Officer for Planning & Transport Policy your Key duties will be.

• Leading on Local Plan making in accordance with NPPF guidance
• Commissioning/Reviewing Evidence Base for Local Plan
• Writing & Presenting Reports to various boards/audiences
• Leading Public Consultation
• Experience of presenting /leading at an Examination in Public

Our Offer:

Aside from working with a great team, our employees have access to a fantastic range of benefits, including:

• A generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long servicewith the option to purchase an additional four-days of unpaid leave for our Annual Christmas Closedown
• Membership of our defined benefit, salary-linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions
• 3 x Salary Life Cover via Local Government Pension Scheme
• Investment in your personal development
• Free Car Parking at HBC sites
• Flexible working arrangements (currently 60/40 office/home)
• Extensive employee benefits platform including discounted shopping, car leasing, gym memberships, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme.

At Halton Borough Council we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce and a vital part of this is to encourage diversity in all respects. We are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and tailored to best suit the needs and strength of the individual. This includes making adjustments for people with a disability, neurodiversity or with long-term health conditions. If you require accommodations, please reach out during the recruitment process so that we can make this the best possible experience for you – [e-mail]