Senior Planning Policy Officer

Elmbridge Borough Council; Esher; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK seeks a Senior Planning Policy Officer to join their Planning Policy & Strategy Team. In this pivotal role, you will support the development of planning policies and assist the community in understanding how effective planning enhances their area. The position requires excellent research, communication, and analytical skills with a salary range of £45,868 - £59,657. Opportunities for flexibility and professional development are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Wellbeing programme

Learning and development support

Employee discounts

Free parking

Qualifications

• Dynamic and motivated planning professional.
• Experience preparing development plan policies.
• Sound knowledge of current law and national policy.

Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Local Plan Manager.
• Support residents in understanding planning impact.
• Implement development plan policies.

Skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Understanding of planning law

Job description

Elmbridge Borough Council is looking for an experienced Planning Policy Officer with excellent research, communication and analytical skills, to deputise for the Local Plan Manager and take a senior role within the Local Plan Team. This is an exciting time to join Elmbridge as we move forwards with a new Local Plan under the new plan‑making system.

You will be instrumental in supporting our residents and helping them to understand how good planning shapes the area.

Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer

Planning Policy & Strategy Team, Planning & Environmental Health

Salary: £45,868 - £59,657 (dependent on skills and experience)

Closing date: 9am Friday 13 February 2026

Interview date: 24 & 26 February 2026

About you

• You are a dynamic, motivated and organised planning professional with experience of preparing development plan policies and implementing them.
• You must be able to show that you have a sound knowledge and clear understanding of current law, national policy and guidance related to development planning.
• You will have excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate with colleagues, Councillors and the community. Being politically astute will also serve you well.

About us

• Flexibility: We know you have to juggle work and life commitments and we are happy and open to discussing the right mix for you, whether it’s compressed hours or working from home, just give us a call.
• Wellbeing: When you thrive Elmbridge thrives, which is why we have developed a strong and varied wellbeing programme for our employees.
• Learning and development: We all know learning is an ongoing journey and we will support you on that journey by creating a bespoke learning and development plan for you.
• The package: Not forgetting our excellent pension and discounts with various local businesses and free employee parking.

Salary

• £45,868 - £59,657 per year

If you would like to talk to us about the role, please give Sarah Pharoah our Planning & Strategy Manager a call on 01372 474827 or email [e-mail] or Ripple Gupta our Local Plan Manager a call on 01372 474670 or email [e-mail].

What are you waiting for?