Principal Planning Officer (Policy)

Location: Farnborough (Hybrid Working Available)

Salary: £48,256 – £55,596 + £2,400 allowance

Full Time | Permanent

At Rushmoor Borough Council, they may be small, but they are ambitious — and this is a genuinely exciting time to join.

Significant regeneration and development is underway across Aldershot and Farnborough, with major projects such as the Galleries redevelopment, Farnborough Civic Quarter proposals, and a large-scale commercial masterplan set to transform the area.

Alongside this, the Council is delivering high-profile schemes including a new leisure centre, determining complex applications such as those at Farnborough Airport, and—crucially—embarking on the preparation of a brand new Local Plan.

With the timetable now published, the programme is moving at pace: notice will be served in May, initial consultation will take place in June 2026, Gateway 1 is targeted for September, and a second consultation is planned for early 2027. This represents a rare opportunity to get involved at the very start of the process and play a central role in shaping the borough’s long-term strategy for growth.

All of this sits at the heart of the Council’s vision to deliver sustainable, high-quality, and well-designed development across the borough — making this an exceptional time to join as a Principal Planning Officer (Policy).

The Role

This is a key position within the planning team, offering the opportunity to lead on strategic planning policy and Local Plan preparation at a critical time.

You will take responsibility for driving forward planning policy work, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring the delivery of a robust and forward-thinking planning framework.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the preparation and review of the Local Plan and strategic planning policy documents
• Managing and commissioning evidence base studies
• Driving engagement with members, communities, developers and key stakeholders
• Representing the Council at Examinations in Public, appeals and inquiries
• Preparing and presenting reports to Cabinet, Council and senior leadership
• Managing consultation exercises and ensuring statutory compliance
• Working collaboratively with neighbouring authorities and partner organisations
• Supporting and deputising for the Planning Policy Service Manager
• Managing and mentoring junior members of the team

About You

We are looking for an experienced and motivated planning professional who can operate at a senior level and take ownership of complex policy work.

You will have:

• A degree in Town Planning or related discipline
• MRTPI Chartered status (or eligibility)
• Proven experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation
• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy frameworks
• Experience within a local authority planning environment
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong organisational and project management ability
• Experience managing or mentoring staff (desirable)

You will be a confident and proactive individual, capable of influencing outcomes and driving forward key planning initiatives.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary of £48,256 – £55,596 + £2,400 allowance
• Flexible and hybrid working
• The opportunity to lead on high-profile Local Plan and regeneration work
• A supportive and forward-thinking team environment
• The chance to play a key role in shaping the future growth of the borough
• Ongoing professional development and career progression

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the planning policy of a borough undergoing significant transformation and growth.

If you’re looking to step into a role where you can make a genuine impact and influence the future of places — this is it.

Apply

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact:

Rob Hanks

Futuregen Recruitment

Email:

Mobile: 07855 276123