Senior Planning Policy Officer

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; England; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is looking for dynamic Senior Planning Policy Officers to work on planning policies and neighbourhood projects. The role includes overseeing local plans, guiding community planning groups, and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates should have a degree in Town Planning, a minimum of 5 years' experience in planning offices, and strong communication skills. This role offers a fixed term of up to 12 months with a competitive salary range of £51,005 – £56,821 per annum.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a planning office.
• Licentiate membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute is required.
• Ability to prepare and present well-argued documents.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and assist in the production of the local plan.
• Provide guidance to neighbourhood planning groups.
• Prepare supplementary planning documents.

Skills

Written and oral communication skills

Knowledge of Planning Legislation and Policy

IT skills in a Windows environment

Customer service experience

Education

Degree or Diploma in Town Planning

Job description

Senior Planning Policy Officer (3 posts)

Fixed term for up to 12 months

Grade 7: £51,005 – £56,821 per annum

Why join us

We believe in putting our people first – we work hard every day to make sure everyone can achieve a healthy and enjoyable work‑life‑balance. That is why we have a very flexible hours system. We are seen as being customer focused, approachable and business‑like. We are honest and open and are renowned for providing high quality cost‑effective service.

About the role

Are you a dynamic and enthusiastic town planner with experience in local and / neighbourhood plan‑making? Are you committed to place‑making and high‑quality customer service?

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are looking to appoint three ambitious senior planning officers – two roles focused on neighbourhood planning and one role focused on planning policy and the local plan. If you are ready for a new challenge with opportunities to develop professionally, this could be the role for you.

The successful applicant for these roles will join the councils at an important time to help deliver the work of the policy team, working with a team of over 20 professionals.

You will expect to take responsibility for either contributing to the development of planning policy documents (including the local plan and its evidence base) or for delivering support to neighbourhood planning groups, depending on the role appointed.

Essential criteria for the role

• a Degree or Diploma in Town Planning, or a related discipline, or equivalent level of experience with full/licentiate membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute
• minimum of 5 years’ experience of working in a planning office including experience of planning policy work and / or neighbourhood planning
• good, accurate written and oral communication skills and experience in giving clear, succinct and well‑argued presentations - formally and informally
• an excellent knowledge of Planning Legislation and Planning Policy with an ability to interpret policy and law
• good IT experience in Windows environment and good keyboard skills
• experience of working within a customer focused environment dealing with the public

Key responsibilities for the role

• For the planning policy role:oversee, project manage and assist in the production of the local plan, carrying out research, attending project meetings with internal and external stakeholders, and preparing and presenting evidence supporting the Council’s case at local plan Examination
• For the neighbourhood planning roles:provide professional support and guidance to neighbourhood planning groups, including advice on plan‑making, policy development and examination processes
• Prepare supplementary planning documents and papers and reports, carry out consultations, including preparing consultation documents for officers and Members
• Provide professional advice and training on planning policy and development matters to the public, Members and other professionals including supporting development management colleagues in interpreting policy for planning applications
• Assist in the supervision of the work of junior planning or technical officers and in other aspects of the team’s work including input into county and other cross‑authority planning arrangements, management of the National Landscapes, nature conservation and transportation matters
• Assist in monitoring planning policies

A full list of the duties this role provides, as well as the benefits we offer, can be found within the job descriptions on our careers website by clicking on the 'apply on website button'

Please note that we do not hold a sponsor licence and are unable to support visa applications. To be considered for this role, you must already have the legal right to work in the UK. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please refer to the UK Government’s guidance before applying.

Thank you for taking the time to read our advert, we look forward to receiving your application.