Planning Policy Officers

The Cumberland; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cumberland is seeking two Planning Policy Officers to deliver strategic planning objectives across health, housing, economy, environment and infrastructure. The role focuses on developing the Cumberland Local Plan, drafting policies, site allocations and evidence for Public Examination, with hybrid working and a generous leave allowance.

You will provide expert planning advice to internal teams, developers and the public, and help manage multiple projects while engaging with external

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of planning policy and the local plan process.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively and manage workload.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to explain complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Draft planning policies, site profiles, and development briefs.
• Prepare evidence base documents, technical assessments, and annual monitoring reports.
• Represent the Council with external partners and respond to consultations.
• Support communities developing neighbourhood plans.
• Provide professional planning advice to internal teams, developers, and the public.
• Support public consultations for the Local Plan.

Skills

Planning policy knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Town Planning degree

RTPI membership desirable

Job description

We're looking for two skilled and motivated Planning Policy Officers to join our Strategy and Policy team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering Cumberland's strategic objectives for health, housing, the economy, environment, and infrastructure. Bring your planning career to a place where balance, flexibility and wellbeing truly matter. You'll enjoy hybrid working, the freedom to shape your week, and a generous annual leave package - with the option to buy even more. About the role You'll provide professional planning advice and expertise across all aspects of the planning policy function, with a particular focus on producing the Cumberland Local Plan and associated planning policy documents. This includes drafting policies, developing site allocations, preparing evidence for Public Examination, and managing external commissions. What you'll do

• Draft planning policies, site profiles, and development briefs.
• Prepare evidence base documents, technical assessments, and annual monitoring reports.
• Represent the Council with external partners and respond to consultations.
• Support communities developing neighbourhood plans.
• Provide professional planning advice to internal teams, developers, and the public.
• Support public consultations for the Local Plan, If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. .

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We're dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That's why we're a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer - to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing. While adjustments aren't always guaranteed, we'll always listen and we'll try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application and Interview information

Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions

• Closing date: 01/09/2026
• Interview date: TBC
  A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Membership of RTPI (or working towards it) is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of planning policy and the local plan process.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively and manage workload
• Strong analytical skills and ability to explain complex information clearly
• Experience or interest in Minerals and Waste planning is desirable
  These roles are available on a fixed-term basis.

We're looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities. We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career. Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role. Who we’re looking for We're looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities. We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career. Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

Contact

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Chris Hoban by email at

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).