Senior Planning Officer: Local Plan & Policy Lead

Barnsley Council; Barnsley; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Training & development support

Local Government Pension Scheme

Job summary

Barnsley Council is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to lead the preparation and delivery of planning policy across the borough, including the new Local Plan. You will work with IT solutions like GIS and MS365 to drive digital planning efforts and collaborate with partners, councillors, communities and developers.

The role requires extensive experience in planning policy, strong analytical and communication skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for communities.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience of planning policy and spatial planning or related work.
• Experience of managing complex policy projects, leading work programmes and representing organisations at examinations or inquiries.
• Extensive understanding of the planning system and role of Local Plans in shaping sustainable growth.
• Strong analytical, report-writing and research skills.
• Ability to communicate confidently with a wide range of audiences.
• Collaborative approach and ability to build effective working relationships.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for communities and places.

Responsibilities

• Lead role in preparing, progression, implementation and monitoring of Barnsley's new Local Plan.
• Support IT solutions including GIS and MS365 to drive Local Plan prep and digital planning.
• Develop planning policies in response to local priorities and national reform.
• Lead on preparing evidence studies, consultation material, reports and policy documents.
• Work with officers, councillors, communities, developers and consultants.
• Help shape strategies for sustainable growth, regeneration and housing delivery.
• Contribute to creating attractive, healthy, resilient places across the borough.
• Lead presenting evidence and representing the Council at examinations, hearings and public meetings.
• Support delivery of corporate priorities and long-term growth ambitions.

Skills

Planning policy

Spatial planning

Policy project management

Mentoring colleagues

Analytical skills

Report writing

Communication

Project management

Tools

GIS

MS365

Job description

Barnsley Council is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to lead the preparation and delivery of planning policy across the borough, including the new Local Plan. You will work with IT solutions like GIS and MS365 to drive digital planning efforts and collaborate with partners, councillors, communities and developers.

The role requires extensive experience in planning policy, strong analytical and communication skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for communities.