Principal Planning Policy Officer – Contract

Location: Halton

Rate: £29.46 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: Temporary (Length TBC)

Pay: Bi-weekly

Requirement:

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential

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Job Summary

The Principal Planning Policy Officer plays a crucial role within Halton’s Planning Policy Team, providing senior-level expertise to guide the borough's future growth and development. This position involves acting as a key adviser on planning policy matters, delivering strategic objectives, managing projects, and supporting the development, review, and implementation of Local Plans in accordance with national and local policy frameworks.

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Key Responsibilities

Planning Policy Leadership

Serve as the Council’s lead adviser on planning policy matters
Deliver key planning policy objectives and agreed work programmes
Support the strategic direction of the Planning Policy function

Team Management & Support

Supervise and support Planning Policy Officers
Provide guidance, allocate workloads, and support team development
Promote continuous professional development within the team

Policy Development & Local Plans

Lead the preparation, monitoring, and review of Local Plans
Prepare and maintain site assessments and supporting evidence
Ensure policies align with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG)

Project & Research Delivery

Lead multidisciplinary planning policy projects
Commission and undertake research to inform policy and strategy
Develop and implement planning strategies, policies, and action plans

Stakeholder Engagement

Engage with internal teams, partners, residents, and stakeholders
Support consultations and community engagement activities
Present complex planning information clearly and effectively

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Working Environment

Collaborative and strategic planning team
Office-based with stakeholder engagement across the borough

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Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential:

RTPI-accredited Planning Degree
MRTPI (Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute)

Knowledge

Essential:

Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy, and procedures
In-depth understanding of Local Plan development processes
Knowledge of NPPF and PPG guidance

Experience

Essential:

Proven experience delivering Local Plans from conception through to adoption
Experience working within planning policy in a local authority or similar setting
Experience managing or supporting multidisciplinary projects

Skills & Competencies

Strong analytical and research skills
Excellent report writing and presentation abilities
Ability to communicate complex planning information clearly
Strong project management and organisational skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Other

Requirements

Requirements:

Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
Commitment to continuous professional development
Supportive and collaborative approach to team working

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Additional Information

Contract length to be confirmed
Pay is provided on a bi-weekly basis
Opportunity to play a key role in shaping local planning policy
Immediate start available

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