Planning Policy Lead

Ribble Valley Borough Council; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Lancashire is seeking an experienced Planning Policy Lead to join their multi-disciplinary team. This role involves leading the team in shaping community development and implementing the Local Plan, balancing growth and sustainability. The ideal candidate must have relevant qualifications, significant experience in planning policy, and be a collaborative team player. This position offers flexible working hours and various benefits.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Generous leave entitlement

Occupational pension scheme

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• High level of experience in planning policy, particularly in relation to local plans.
• Experience in leading and developing a team.
• Strong collaborative and team player skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning Policy team in shaping community development.
• Balance growth, sustainability, and great place-making.
• Prepare and implement the Local Plan and other planning policy documents.

Skills

Experience in planning policy

Ability to support junior officers

Collaboration skills

Education

Relevant qualifications and full membership of the RTPI

Job description

Planning Policy Lead

Reference: EDP108

Pay: PO5-8 (scp 35-38) £46,142 to £49,282 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Located in Lancashire, close to the Lake District, North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales, Ribble Valley is a beautiful rural area which includes market towns and picturesque villages and significant area of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. With its heritage and protected landscapes, and proximity to large urban areas in Lancashire, our district is a complex setting for planning policy makers but, with an innovative and strategic approach, the opportunities are significant.

With our new Local Plan heading for submission in 2026 we’re excited to offer a permanent position for a highly motivated and experienced planning professional, to join a multi-disciplinary team dealing with planning policy, housing, economic development, and community partnerships. As part of this varied and rewarding position, you’ll lead the Planning Policy team in playing a critical role in shaping how our communities evolve, balancing growth, sustainability, and great place‑making through the preparation and implementation of the Local Plan and other planning policy documents.

The ideal candidate will possess relevant qualifications and full membership of the RTPI. You will have a high level of experience in planning policy, particularly in relation to local plans; an ability to support and develop junior officers; and be a keen collaborator and team player.

Join us to receive a host of benefits such as flexible working hours (flexitime scheme in operation), generous leave entitlement, occupational pension scheme, and training/development opportunities.

To apply online: ribblevalley.gov.uk/jobs

Other ways to apply: For a paper application pack, send your contact details and vacancy reference number to [e-mail] or call 01200 414596 (24-hour answerphone)

Closing date: Sunday 30 November 2025
Interview date: Monday 8 December 2025

Reasonable adjustments: For any part of the recruitment process, please email us or provide further information on your application form.

Right to close early: We reserve the right to close job vacancies before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.