At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of impactful planning and transport policies for Halton.
- Company: Join Halton Borough Council, a vibrant local authority with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in Planning & Transport Policy and an RTPI accredited degree required.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Location: Municipal Bldg, Kingsway, Cheshire, Widnes WA8 7QF, UK
Salary: 47,181 - 50,269 per year
Employment: Full time
Category: Planning
Posted: 2026-08-19
Valid to: 2026-09-13
37 hours per week
Our Story: Halton is a vibrant local authority with a rich history and heritage, featuring three iconic bridges that connect communities across the River Mersey. Located in Cheshire, Halton boasts excellent transport links between Liverpool and Manchester, as well as close proximity to both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester Airports. Our progressive community strategy aims to bring about meaningful, long-term improvements that enhance lives. It’s an exciting time to join us as we develop new policies and transform the way people access services.
Our Team: Halton are looking for a motivated Lead Officer for Planning & Transport Policy to join its Forward Planning team. Halton adopted its ambitious Local Plan in 2022 which provides a platform for future generations to live, work and visit, and it’s about to embark on its journey to develop its next Local Plan. We are looking for an experienced Principal Planning Policy Officer who is ready to take the next step to become Halton’s Lead Planning and Transport Policy Officer. We would expect you to have a minimum of 6 years Planning & Transport Policy experience, hold a RTPI accredited degree and demonstrable experience of leading key planning policy to develop Local Plan Policies that will directly contribute to the growth and development of the Borough.
Your Contributions: As a Lead Officer for Planning & Transport Policy your key duties will be:
- Leading on Local Plan making in accordance with NPPF guidance
- Commissioning/Reviewing Evidence Base for Local Plan
- Writing & Presenting Reports to various boards/audiences
- Providing comprehensive Planning Policy responses
- Leading Public Consultation
- Experience of presenting/leading at an Examination in Public
Our Offer: Aside from working with a great team, our employees have access to a fantastic range of benefits, including:
- A generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long service with the option to purchase an additional four-days of unpaid leave for our Annual Christmas Closedown
- Membership of our defined benefit, salary-linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions
- 3 x Salary Life Cover via Local Government Pension Scheme
- Investment in your personal development
- Free Car Parking at HBC sites
- Flexible working arrangements (currently 60/40 office/home)
- Extensive employee benefits platform including discounted shopping, car leasing, gym memberships, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme
Next Steps: At Halton Borough Council, we want all of our candidates to feel well-informed so if you would like to have an informal chat about this role, please contact Rebecca Taylor, at Rebecca.Taylor@Halton.gov.uk. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 28th September 2026.
At Halton Borough Council we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce and a vital part of this is to encourage diversity in all respects. We are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and tailored to best suit the needs and strength of the individual. This includes making adjustments for people with a disability, neurodiversity or with long-term health conditions. If you require accommodations, please reach out during the recruitment process so that we can make this the best possible experience for you – resourcing@halton.gov.uk.
Please refer to the attached Job Profile for further information about the role and our values. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. If you’re interested, please complete your application as early as possible. We look forward to receiving your application!
Lead Officer Planning and Transport Strategy in Halton employer: Halton Borough Council
Halton Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With competitive pay and the flexibility of hybrid working, social workers have the opportunity to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council is committed to fostering employee development, ensuring that staff are equipped with the skills and resources needed to thrive in their roles.
