Principal Planning Policy Officer

Halton, United Kingdom | Posted on 30/06/2026

Location: Halton

Contract: Temporary (Length TBC)

Requirement:

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential

Job Description

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

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

Person Specification

Qualifications

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

Knowledge

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

Experience

• 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
• 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

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

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