At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the drafting of site allocation policies for housing and employment in the Local Plan.
- Company: Swale Borough Council, committed to ambitious planning goals.
- Benefits: Hybrid working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with flexibility and support for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local development and shape your community's future.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in planning policy and proven track record in Local Plan preparation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Swale Borough Council is working to an ambitious timetable to submit its Local Plan this December and is seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer (Policy) to take a leading role in progressing the plan to submission.
Role overview
You will lead on the preparation and drafting of site allocation policies for selected housing and employment sites within the emerging Local Plan. You will also support the review and refinement of strategic policies and contribute to the preparation of supporting documents required for the Regulation 19 consultation stage. This is a key role in ensuring that allocation policies are robust, evidence-based, and suitable for submission and subsequent examination.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the drafting of site allocation policies for housing and employment sites
- Review and contribute to strategic Local Plan policies
- Prepare and support documentation for the Regulation 19 Local Plan consultation
- Ensure policies are sound, deliverable, and evidence-based
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Place Services and other Council departments
- Support preparation for Local Plan examination where required
- Undertake site visits to inform policy development
Essential requirements
- Significant experience in planning policy / Local Plan preparation
- Proven track record of drafting site allocation policies (examples required)
- Experience taking a Local Plan through Regulation 19 and examination
- Strong understanding of the Local Plan process and planning policy framework
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Full UK driving licence (site visits required)
Working arrangement
Hybrid working is available, ideally 2 days per week in Swale House with the remainder remote, though flexibility to reduce office presence may be considered for the right candidate.
Principal Planning Officer – AR in Kent employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Swale Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of local planning. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative culture, you will have the opportunity to lead significant projects while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community, all while benefiting from a supportive team atmosphere and professional growth opportunities.
Contact Detail:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer – AR in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the planning sector, attend local events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Principal Planning Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Local Plan process. We recommend practising common interview questions related to site allocation policies and strategic planning. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your experience in planning policy and site allocations. We want to see your achievements shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team at Swale Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer – AR in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your significant experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation. We want to see examples of your work, especially when it comes to drafting site allocation policies. This is your chance to shine!
Be Evidence-Based:When discussing your previous roles, focus on how your policies were robust and evidence-based. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate a strong understanding of the Local Plan process, so back up your claims with solid examples.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your written application to reflect the key responsibilities and essential requirements mentioned in the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Local Plan Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Local Plan process, especially regarding site allocation policies. Brush up on recent developments and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the council's ambitious timetable.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work in drafting site allocation policies. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you ensured those policies were robust and evidence-based. This will demonstrate your capability and experience directly related to the role.
✨Collaboration is Key
Highlight your teamwork skills by sharing examples of how you’ve worked collaboratively with different departments. Discuss how you’ve navigated challenges in past projects and how you can bring that collaborative spirit to Swale Borough Council.
✨Be Ready for Site Visits
Since site visits are part of the role, mention any relevant experience you have in this area. Talk about how you’ve used site visits to inform policy development in the past, and express your enthusiasm for getting out there and gathering firsthand insights.
