Principal Planning Policy Officer,

Overview

Our Benefits

You can also see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site here: Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council.

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and forward-thinking Planning Policy Officer to join our dynamic Planning Policy Team. In this role, you will play a key part in delivering the team’s objectives and enhancing the quality of planning services across the district. 

You will actively engage with the local community and embrace new technologies to ensure our services are modern, responsive, and efficient.

What will you be doing?

Your contribution will be vital in supporting the Team Leader and Head of Service in the preparation and review of Local Development Documents, including the Local Plan and its associated components such as the evidence base, community engagement activities, consultation documents, Sustainability Appraisals, Authorities Monitoring Reports, and neighbourhood plans. 

You will also take the lead in developing planning policies and proposals, working closely with other council services, partner authorities, and agencies to ensure effective implementation.

The role involves providing planning policy advice at both formal and informal Council meetings and contributing to the overall delivery of a high-quality, value-for-money service. You will help manage the day-to-day operations of the Planning Policy team while adhering to both policy and operational guidelines.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to make a meaningful impact in shaping local development through collaborative, proactive, and community-focused planning work.

About you

To be successful in this role, you must be a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and hold a planning-related degree or diploma that is recognised by the RTPI. 

This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to local planning in a supportive, collaborative environment.

About us

We’re a new council, following one of the largest shake-ups in local government
reform in recent history. As a new authority, we’re embarking on an exciting journey
to deliver exceptional services for our residents, customers and
communities.  

Our vision at West Northamptonshire Council is ‘to make West Northants a great
place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to
make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance,
Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver
services. 

At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with
ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail,
and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A
place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-
minded people.

When potential is unlocked, talent thrives.

Choose a career that offers you a true sense of achievement, fills you with pride and
challenges you in a positive way, every day.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.