LEAD OFFICER - PLANNING & TRANSPORT POLICY in Widnes

Halton Borough Council is looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Officer - Planning & Transport Policy to join its Planning and Transport Strategy team. This is a senior opportunity to take a leading role in the development and delivery of Halton's new Local Plan, ensuring that planning and transport policies reflect the latest legislation, regulations and national guidance whilst supporting the Council's ambitions for the future of the borough.

Reporting to the Service Manager - Planning and Transport Strategy, you will lead and manage a small team of policy planners responsible for the development, production and maintenance of planning and transport policy and strategy documents, including the Local Development Framework. You will play a key role in leading the production of Local Plan and policy documents, monitoring their implementation and ensuring that the Council's policy function is delivered effectively. You will also provide professional planning policy advice to senior management, elected Members, Council committees and external partners. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional with strong leadership and Local Authority experience to make a significant contribution to the future development of Halton.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of the new Local Plan, including consultation, examination, adoption, presentation, monitoring and review.
• Lead the development and maintenance of the Local Development Framework and associated Development Plan Documents.
• Manage and oversee the production of planning and transport policy and strategy documents.
• Prepare, monitor and review operational work programmes and project plans.
• Work proactively with Council departments and external partnerships on policy areas that cross organisational boundaries.
• Lead, manage and support a small team of planning policy professionals.
• Monitor team performance and establish clear targets and objectives to ensure continuous service improvement.
• Regularly monitor, evaluate and report on team and service performance.
• Support, motivate and develop team members to deliver the Council's policy objectives.
• Deputise for the Service Manager and Head of Service when required.
• Attend Council, committee, public and other relevant meetings, including occasional evening and weekend meetings.
• Coordinate internal training and ensure colleagues are kept informed of evolving and new planning regulations, legislation and policy.
• Lead and participate in cross-departmental working parties and project teams.
• Represent the Council at meetings with external bodies, agencies, partners and other stakeholders.
• Represent the Council at public inquiries where appropriate.
• Provide professional planning policy advice to elected Members, Boards, working groups, senior management and partners.
• Undertake or commission research to develop a robust evidence base for planning and transport policy and strategy.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders at both local and regional level.
• Network effectively with other authorities, agencies, departments and relevant organisations to ensure information and best practice are shared.
• Respond constructively and within appropriate timescales to enquiries, complaints and Freedom of Information requests.
• Undertake any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the level and nature of the role.

About You

We are looking for an experienced planning professional who can demonstrate strong leadership, technical expertise and the ability to operate confidently within a Local Authority environment. You will ideally have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification relevant to the area of responsibility and be eligible for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or equivalent relevant professional experience within a Local Authority setting.
• Significant experience working within planning policy, ideally with experience of Local Plan development and delivery.
• Experience of working with elected Members and senior management.
• Proven people management experience, with the ability to motivate, develop and support staff.
• Strong project and programme management skills.
• Experience of budget management, including the ability to secure additional funding and make effective use of available resources.
• Detailed specialist knowledge and understanding of relevant planning legislation, regulations, standards, specifications and codes.
• A strong understanding of current and emerging planning policy and legislative developments.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• The confidence and ability to represent the Council effectively at meetings, committees, public inquiries and with external organisations.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• The ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively across departments and organisations.

Essential Requirement

As the role involves regular travel across the borough and occasionally further afield, a full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential. Where appropriate, reasonable adjustments will be made in accordance with the provisions of the Equality Act.

Why Join Halton Borough Council?

This is a fantastic opportunity to take a senior role in shaping the future of planning and transport policy across Halton. You will be responsible for leading a key policy function, managing a dedicated team and playing a central role in the development and delivery of the Council's new Local Plan. The role also provides the opportunity to work closely with elected Members, senior leaders, regional partners and external organisations on strategic issues affecting the borough. If you are an experienced planning professional looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity where you can make a real impact, we would love to hear from you.