Principal Planning Policy Officer (two posts)

Basingstoke; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is seeking two Principal Planning Policy Officers to deliver high-quality planning policy and guide Local Plan preparation. You will manage evidence-based studies, advise councillors and stakeholders, and drive policy on major sites, urban extensions, and neighbourhood planning.

The role requires RTPI accreditation, active involvement in Local Plan implementation, and strong project-management and communication skills to support regeneration and sustainable

Qualifications

• RTPI-accredited degree or RTPI qualification.
• RTPI membership.
• Experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and guidance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and implement planning policy documents under the new planning system.
• Commission and manage evidence-based studies that inform policy development.
• Provide expert planning advice to councillors, colleagues, developers, stakeholders and local communities.
• Support the council's infrastructure, regeneration and delivery programmes.
• Lead planning policy work on major strategic development sites.
• Work closely with rural communities on neighbourhood planning initiatives.

Skills

Planning policy

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Project management

Communication skills

Education

RTPI-accredited degree or RTPI postgraduate qualification

RTPI membership

Job description

Help shape the future of one of the South East's most ambitious boroughs.

At Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, we're planning positively for growth, prosperity and sustainable development. As we expand our Planning Policy Team, we're looking for two Principal Planning Policy Officers who are passionate about creating great places, influencing strategic planning decisions, and helping deliver our vision for the future.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and supportive team at a pivotal moment. We have recently begun preparing a new Local Plan under the new planning system, making this the perfect time to become involved in every stage of the plan-making process and play a key role in shaping the borough's future. With a unique mix of urban and rural areas, Basingstoke and Deane offers a diverse and rewarding planning environment.

About the role

As a Principal Planning Policy Officer, you will help deliver a high-quality planning policy service and take responsibility for key aspects of planning policy preparation and implementation. Your work will span a range of policy documents, from the Local Plan and Supplementary Plans to design codes and neighbourhood planning.

You will:

• Prepare and implement planning policy documents under the new planning system.
• Commission and manage evidence-based studies that inform policy development.
• Provide expert planning advice to councillors, colleagues, developers, stakeholders and local communities.
• Support the council's infrastructure, regeneration and delivery programmes.
• Lead planning policy work on major strategic development sites.
• Work closely with rural communities on neighbourhood planning initiatives
• Contribute to significant regeneration and urban extension projects.

About you

You will hold an RTPI-accredited degree or postgraduate qualification and be a member of the RTPI. You will also bring experience in planning policy and a sound understanding of current planning practice, particularly Local Plan preparation and implementation.

You will have:

• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and guidance.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• The ability to analyse complex information and develop robust planning policies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The confidence to present information to a wide range of audiences and build effective working relationships.

"There is such a variety of policy work at Basingstoke and the team includes infrastructure, urban design and transport planning. The balance of home working and office-based collaboration supports close team working whilst providing flexibility". Current Principal Planning Policy Officer

Join us and help shape the future of Basingstoke and Deane.