At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and delivery of the Local Plan for a thriving community.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a forward-thinking local authority with exciting growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovative solutions and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community's future while shaping planning policies.
- Qualifications: Experience in Town Planning and chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute required.
The predicted salary is between 53460 - 53460 £ per year.
Starting salary for this role is £53,460 (pro rata for part‑time colleagues). This role sits within a well‑defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward‑thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.
The existing Planning Policy Manager and Development Plan Lead at BCP Council have gained such diverse depth of knowledge and experience that they have achieved their ambition of becoming Local Plan Planning Inspectors! Consequently, we are seeking a Development Plan Lead, someone experienced in preparing and delivering Local Plans. It’s an exciting time to join our organisation – at the start of the preparation of the Local Plan. Born out of Local Government Re‑organisation in 2019, BCP Council is the 10th largest urban local authority in England. We are still a new organisation, but we are maturing quickly, and we will not be undergoing further local government re‑organisation in the coming months.
Your new role The Development Plan Lead will be focussed on leading and co‑ordinating the development and delivery of our Local Plan. BCP Council is seeking an ambitious and team‑motivating individual to be a part of their journey in planning for the future growth and prosperity of the region. We are looking for someone with the desire to make an impact, problem solve, and feel confident sharing ideas and listening to others. The Council’s team ethos encourages collaboration and contribution towards how the Council delivers its planning service, to best serve the interests of the community and region.
Main Responsibilities:
- Lead on the preparation of the statutory Local Plan or other related planning policy documents, ensuring a cohesive plan is produced in line with requirements.
- Lead on identifying issues, research requirements and latest national legislation and policies relating to the Local Plan to ensure these are considered within policy development.
- Lead on the design and formulation of consultation exercises and promote opportunities for the public to scrutinise, engage with and contribute to the Local Plan and planning policy.
- Negotiate with external agencies and developers to ensure that necessary infrastructure is delivered in a timely manner to support housing growth.
- Act as the senior expert witness, representing the Council in public examinations and planning inquiries to defend the Council’s proposed or adopted policies.
- Be aware of and make constructive use of new technology solutions for plan making and other policy work.
What You’ll Need To Succeed:
- Specialist qualifications and experience in Town Planning and chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
- Extensive experience of managing the Local Plan production and preparation of planning policies.
- Extensive experience in acting as an expert witness and senior planning expert at public examination, planning inquiries and committees.
- Ability to plan and manage a highly complex statutory and technical planning policy workload and adapt to changing circumstances and use of technology.
- Ability to influence, persuade and make recommendations based on technical or specialist knowledge, and to provide authoritative professional planning advice and guidance.
About BCP Council:
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. We offer career‑defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world‑class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Inclusion and Support:
At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work. We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.
Our Benefits:
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council. We’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people. Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package.
