Principal Planning Policy Officer (two posts) (1025)

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is seeking two Principal Planning Policy Officers to help shape policy and strategic planning across urban and rural areas in the South East. You will work on Local Plan preparation, design codes, and neighbourhood planning while supporting regeneration and delivery programs.

The role requires RTPI-accredited qualifications, strong policy knowledge, and excellent stakeholder engagement to influence decisions and shape development in the borough.

Qualifications

• RTPI-accredited degree or postgraduate qualification and RTPI membership.
• Experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and guidance.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to analyse complex information and develop robust planning policies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Confidence to present information to a wide range of audiences and build effective working relationships.

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.
• Contribute to significant regeneration and urban extension projects.

Skills

Policy knowledge

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

RTPI-accredited degree

RTPI membership

Job description

Principal Planning Policy Officer (two posts)

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.

What It's Like To Work Here

“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”.

What benefits do we offer?

At Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council we offer a wide range of employee benefits to recognise your valued contribution:

• Generous annual leave allowance plus bank holidays
• Local government pension scheme and Life Assurance
• Salary sacrifice schemes for bicycles and electric cars
• Access to discounts at nationwide retailers through our ‘BOOST’ perks discount site
• Funded healthcare cash plan including optical and dental cover
• Free flu vaccination vouchers
• Access to a free and confidential employee assistance program
• Support towards a variety of training, including professional qualifications, apprenticeships and wider technical and soft skill development courses

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of our community.

The council signs up to the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the ‘Two Ticks’ scheme). If you have declared a disability on the application form we can guarantee you an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the job.

The council reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time if a high volume of applications are received. Candidates are therefore advised to apply at the earliest opportunity.