Senior Planning Officer (Strategic & Neighbourhood Planning)

Hoople; Hereford; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Herefordshire is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to join the Strategic and Neighbourhood Planning team. The role involves influencing policies for a large rural county and engaging in various planning projects. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in spatial planning and policy making, with opportunities for professional development and flexible working options.

Benefits

Competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement

Access to contributory pension scheme

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Payment of professional membership fees

Additional perks including retail, leisure, holiday, and health benefits

Qualifications

• Proven track record in spatial planning and policy making.
• Experience in local government planning office is essential.
• Ambitious and capable of managing strategic projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the Council’s Local Plan and planning policy documents.
• Prepare reports and represent the Council at Examinations in Public.
• Conduct research and promote sustainable development.

Skills

Spatial planning

Policy making

Research

Education

Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Relevant postgraduate degree

Job description

About The Role

Contract: Permanent

Salary: HC09 £39,513 - £43,693

Hours: 37

Location: Hereford

Closing Date: 08/06/2025

Job Overview

We are recruiting a Senior Planning Officer for the Strategic and Neighbourhood Planning team in Herefordshire. This role offers an opportunity to influence policies affecting a large rural county, including Hereford city, five market towns, and many rural settlements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead and contribute to the Council’s Local Plan and other planning policy documents, including neighbourhood planning, annual authority monitoring report, and five-year housing supply.
2. Support high-profile plan-making documents and provide quality advice on planning policy matters to stakeholders.
3. Prepare reports, make recommendations, and represent the Council at Examinations in Public and Planning Appeals.
4. Engage in regional and neighboring county collaborations.
5. Conduct research and analysis on various planning topics, promoting sustainable development and growth.
6. Ensure compliance with National Planning Policy and Legislation, especially regarding the Local Plan process.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should have a proven track record in spatial planning, policy making, and research. Knowledge of the Local Plan process, National Planning Policy, and experience within a local government planning office are essential. Candidates should be ambitious, motivated, and capable of managing strategic projects.

Qualifications

Eligible candidates should either be eligible for chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or possess a relevant postgraduate degree or equivalent experience with a commitment to continuous professional development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement
• Access to contributory pension scheme
• Flexible working options including flexi-time, job-share, part-time, and home working
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Payment of professional membership fees
• Additional perks including retail, leisure, holiday, and health benefits

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all personal characteristics and social identities. Flexible working requests and reasonable adjustments will be considered.

Additional Information

Interviews will be offered to candidates meeting the essential criteria, including those indicating they have a disability, serve or have served in the Armed Forces, or are Herefordshire care leavers. Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for more details.

Application Process

Submit your CV and a supporting statement within the application form, referencing the job description and person specification, and demonstrating how you meet the role's requirements.