Principal Planning Policy Officer

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Planning Policy Officer to develop and implement the Local Plan, ensuring it meets community needs and regulatory standards. This role will involve collaborating with various stakeholders, and producing high-quality documentation to support planning processes. The position offers a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Generous Leave Allowance

Free Parking

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible Working

Family Friendly Packages

Qualifications

• Experience in planning policy and local plan preparation.
• Strong analytical and writing skills are essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Help deliver an up-to-date, robust Local Plan for the Borough.
• Produce high quality studies and guidance documents.
• Provide constructive input into planning applications.

Job description

Overview

Principal Planning Policy Officer

Salary - Grade H £41,511 to £49,764 per annum plus a £3,000 market supplement

The Council’s Corporate Strategy puts the Borough’s natural and built environment at the heart of the Council, upcoming projects and our decision making. Contributing to this, you will be part of the Planning Policy team, working to develop the Local Plan and work as part of the team to submit the plan by the end of the 2026 calendar year. The role also contributes to the provision of an efficient and effective Planning Service that makes a positive contribution to the built and natural environment of the Borough of Havant, facilitating sustainable economic growth and development.

The Local Plan is one of the most important functions of the borough council, and you will play a key part in preparing the plan, consulting on it and taking it through examination-in-public to adoption and implementation.

Responsibilities

• Help deliver an up-to-date, robust and high quality Local Plan for the Borough.
• Produce timely, high quality studies and guidance documents to support the local plan and its implementation.
• Provide robust and constructive input into planning applications on policy related matters.

What we can offer you

• A competitive salary/benefits and support for your continuous professional development.
• Grade H £41,511 to £49,764 per annum plus a £3,000 market supplement
• Generous Leave Allowance
• Free Parking
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working/Hybrid working
• Family Friendly Packages

Visit our website for the full range of benefits and support we offer our staff. If you would like to discuss the role, please contactDavid Hayward, Strategic Planning Manager on 07718 125935 or Jade Ellis, Principal Planning Policy Officer on 07918 582775.

This role is advertised full time 37 hours per week, although we do everything, we can to accommodate flexible working and would consider part time hours. If this is an option you’d like to explore, please let us know how many hours you are looking for in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond).

To Apply

Please click apply and complete the short application process (3-4 minutes). Please ensure you attach your CV and a supporting statement, when completing your application on our recruitment platform Hireful – havant.gov.uk/jobs-us-apply-now. We will not be able to progress your application further unless you provide a supporting statement detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the role profile.

Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on 26th September 2025 and interviews will be held on 7th & 8th October 2025.

Due to the current employment climate, we are receiving a high number of applicants for each post and as such may not be able to acknowledge receipt of your application. You will however be notified as to whether you made the shortlist soon after the closing date.

We want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities, therefore, we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.havant.gov.uk/our-organisation/equality-and-diversity

The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment.

Havant Borough Council is a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. All employees of the Authority will be expected to support any necessary actions required during an emergency response.