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- Tasks: Shape sustainable growth and development through planning policies and community engagement.
- Company: Join Westmorland and Furness Council, a forward-thinking authority focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced leave, and various perks and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your planning career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or related field; strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities to mentor junior colleagues.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to join Westmorland and Furness Council’s Planning Policy Service as a Senior Planning Policy Officer, helping to shape the sustainable growth and development of our area. The Planning Policy Service is responsible for preparing and maintaining the Council’s planning policy framework, including the Local Plan, which guides sustainable growth, housing, infrastructure, and environmental management. The team works collaboratively across the Council and with communities, developers, and partners to ensure policies reflect both local priorities and national planning objectives.
You will be joining the Council at an important time to help prepare the first Local Plan (and its evidence base) for Westmorland and Furness in line with the requirements of the new planning system and will be part of a team of over 20 professionals. As a Senior Planning Policy Officer, you’ll play a key role in developing, delivering, and monitoring planning policies that promote sustainable and inclusive development. You’ll manage your own projects, contribute to the evidence base that underpins policy decisions, and engage with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll also support and mentor junior colleagues while helping to ensure that our planning policy remains responsive, effective, and ambitious for the communities we serve.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner looking to develop their career in a forward-thinking, customer-focussed authority.
Who we are looking for…
We’re seeking a motivated, experienced and highly skilled policy officer who is ready to hit the ground running to help prepare the new Local Plan in an ambitious timescale. Experience of neighbourhood planning would be desirable but is not essential.
You’ll bring:
- A degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, or a related discipline.
- Ideally, membership (or eligibility) of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Experience in the preparation, monitoring, and implementation of planning policy.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex evidence and deliver high-quality outputs.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to engage confidently with colleagues, elected members, and the public.
If you’re passionate about creating sustainable, well-designed places and want to make a real difference to the future of Westmorland and Furness, we’d love to hear from you.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
Would you like to find out more? For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments: Post Specification Role Profile. If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Helen Houston, Planning Policy Service Manager.
Senior Planning Policy Officer - WMF2622e in London employer: Connected Local Government
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Policy Officer - WMF2622e in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the planning sector, attend local events, and engage with community groups. Building connections can open doors and give you insights into opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for sustainable development! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas on how to create well-designed places. This will demonstrate your commitment and make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council’s current projects and policies. Being knowledgeable about their work will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Westmorland and Furness Council team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Policy Officer - WMF2622e in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Planning Policy Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in planning policy and stakeholder engagement can contribute to our goals. We want to see examples of your analytical skills and how you've successfully managed projects.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your passion for sustainable development shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and frameworks relevant to Westmorland and Furness. Familiarise yourself with the Local Plan and any recent developments in sustainable growth. This will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders, from communities to developers. Think about examples from your past experience where you've successfully collaborated or managed projects involving multiple parties. This will highlight your teamwork and communication skills.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to demonstrate your analytical abilities by discussing how you've interpreted complex evidence in previous roles. Bring examples of high-quality outputs you've delivered, as this will showcase your capability to contribute effectively to the Council's planning policy.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers. Ask about the challenges they foresee in developing the new Local Plan or how they measure the success of their policies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
