Principal Planning Policy Officer

Lincolnshire Council; Greater Lincolnshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme, 23.8% employer contribution

Generous annual leave scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Working Policy

Excellent career progression

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

A local council in England is seeking a knowledgeable Principal Planning Policy Officer to lead the preparation and review of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan. You will have a vital role in shaping policies impacting housing delivery, climate resilience, and infrastructure investment. The role requires extensive experience in planning legislation and strong analytical skills. The council offers excellent benefits, including a Local Government Pension Scheme and a culture of staff development.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of planning legislation and policy development.
• Experience in Local Plan preparation and delivering sound, adoptable plans.
• Ability to travel across a wide rural district as part of your duties.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the preparation, monitoring, and review of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan.
• Manage specific projects and deputise for the Planning Policy Manager when required.
• Provide expert evidence at Local Plan Examinations and planning inquiries.

Skills

Planning legislation knowledge

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Education

RTPI membership or eligibility

Job description

Overview

Shape the Future of South East Lincolnshire

Are you an experienced planning policy professional looking for a role where you can make a real impact? Join us as a Principal Planning Policy Officer and play a key role in delivering the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan, supporting growth, regeneration, and sustainable development across two councils – Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council.

As part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) – the largest of its kind in England – you’ll work in a dynamic environment covering 49% of Lincolnshire’s geography and 300,000 residents.

Our Partnership is driving strategic growth through the delivery of thousands of new homes and employment land allocations across Lincolnshire. We are leading on the review and implementation of Local Plans, setting the framework for sustainable development, climate resilience, and infrastructure investment. This includes shaping policies for housing delivery, biodiversity net gain, renewable energy, and coastal protection – ensuring our communities thrive now and in the future.

ABOUT US: Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council have formed the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership. The largest Council Partnership in the country. Since October 2021, the Partnership Councils have been working closely to deliver improved services to the communities in the sub-region and already there have been many positive outcomes. Over time, it is envisaged that services will become formally shared across the three Councils creating the opportunity for colleagues to be involved in new and innovative areas of work.

Please visit Join our Planning Team - South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership for more information about the partnership and our planning service.

Why Join Us

• Be a lead officer in preparing evidence, policies, and supporting documents for the Local Plan.
• Influence housing delivery targets and employment land allocations that will shape the future of our communities.
• Work on diverse policy areas including climate change, biodiversity net gain, renewable energy, and flood risk.
• Benefit from a strong culture of staff development, including RTPI support and leadership programmes.
• Enjoy agile and flexible working arrangements within a collaborative environment.

About the Role

As Principal Planning Policy Officer, you will:

• Lead on the preparation, monitoring, and review of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan.
• Manage specific projects and deputise for the Planning Policy Manager when required.
• Provide expert evidence at Local Plan Examinations and planning inquiries.
• Organise consultations, site investigations, and data analysis to inform policy development.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to performance management and service improvement.

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive knowledge of planning legislation and policy development.
• Experience in Local Plan preparation and delivering sound, adoptable plans.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• RTPI membership (or eligibility) and commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Ability to travel across a wide rural district as part of your duties.

Benefits

We offer excellent terms and conditions of employment including:

• Local Government Pension Scheme, 23.8% employer contribution
• Generous annual leave scheme +option to buy more
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Platform including retail, holiday, and leisure discounts
• Cycle to work scheme*
• Flu Jabs
• Flexible Working Policy
• Agile Working Policy*
• Excellent career progression and training opportunities
• Long Service Recognition*
• *Certain restrictions may apply

If you are interested in having a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Brian Gallagher at [e-mail] or 07716 098175