Planning Policy Officer / Senior Planning Policy Officer

Dorset Council; Dorchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Dorchester is seeking a qualified Planning Officer to draft local plan policies and engage with stakeholders. This full-time role allows for flexible working arrangements. Ideal candidates will possess a degree-level qualification, and the ability to handle a significant workload is essential. Competitive employee benefits include flexible working and continuous development opportunities.

Benefits

Local government pension

Flexible working

Continuous learning and development

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification, preferably a postgraduate planning qualification.
• Experience in planning roles is an advantage.
• A driving licence is necessary for site visits.

Responsibilities

• Draft policies and provide policy advice.
• Engage and consult with communities and stakeholders.
• Liaise with stakeholders on development proposals.

Skills

Good IT skills

Oral and written communication

Analytical skills

Ability to manage workload

Education

Degree-level qualification

Postgraduate planning qualification

Job description

About the role

Protect it. Shape it. Enjoy it. Be part of Dorset

Dorset is a beautiful and iconic area, with historic market towns and miles of stunning coast. But it's also a place of growth and innovation. Our Strategic Policy team is working on the preparation of the first Dorset-wide Local Plan and this job is an opportunity to contribute to various key stages of plan preparation – and influence the future of Dorset.

What's in it for you?

You’ll be working on all aspects of local plan preparation and related policy work, including drafting policies, researching issues, engaging and consulting with communities and stakeholders, monitoring, and giving policy advice to other teams. You’ll be part of our friendly Strategic Planning team, which also works closely with the Community Planning and Infrastructure & Delivery teams. Our office base is Dorchester but we are all set up for working from home as well, and collaborate virtually as well as face to face.

The team includes planners with a range of experience and expertise, and there will be plenty of opportunity to learn in the role. Dorset has some particular planning challenges, including housing affordability and the impact of development on important nature conservation sites, to add to your experience, and we can mentor you in your progress to RTPI membership.

What you can expect to be doing

We have just started a consultation on site options for the new local plan, and are aiming to submit the plan for examination by the December 2026 deadline, so it is a busy and interesting time to be working in the Strategic Planning team. You’ll be involved in drafting local plan policies, liaising with stakeholders and responding to the changes in national policy. You’ll also be advising development management officers on the policy implications of development proposals, including housing land supply.

About you

This is a great opportunity to develop your career in planning. It’s a career grade position, so we are keen to hear from experienced and qualified planners, as well as those seeking to gain experience. You will have a degree‑level qualification, preferably a postgraduate planning qualification providing a route to RTPI membership, and ideally some relevant work experience. You’ll be well organised, with the ability to manage a significant workload and meet deadlines, and the ability to follow procedures and evaluate problems.

You’ll have good IT skills and an interest in digital approaches. You will have good oral and written communication skills, as writing reports, discussing issues and making presentations are important parts of the job. And an aptitude for figures and spreadsheets, and familiarity with housing land supply issues, would be helpful. Finally, you will enjoy collaborating and working within a team, and have an affinity with our values: Respect, Openness, Together, Accountability and Curiosity.

With a team that lives by these principles, we have a friendly workplace where you’ll be free to learn and thrive. Employee benefits are generous and include a local government pension, flexible working and continual learning and development. With beautiful beaches and countryside on your doorstep too, a Planning career in Dorset comes with everything you need.

Further Information

A driving licence is necessary as site visits form part of the job. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

This is a full‑time role at 37 hours per week. However, we welcome applications from those wishing to work part time as well as full time.

Contact details – Terry Sneller, 01305 838224, [e-mail]

or Hilary Jordan 01305 252303, [e-mail]

About Us

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

• provide essential services that support over 380,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive
• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability‑Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible. If you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK‑based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.