At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage planning applications and lead on sustainable development initiatives.
- 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: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
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.
We are immensely proud that when asked what’s great about working for Halton, the most popular response from our workforce has been ‘our colleagues’.
Our Team
The Planning and Development Management team consists of professional officers responsible for a wide range of planning-related functions.
The service works collaboratively with other Council departments, stakeholders, and external partners to secure sustainable development that benefits residents and businesses across the Borough.
The Development Management Team play a key role in delivering the Local Plan and ensuring high quality development is secured to support the acceleration of sustainable growth across the Borough.
- Hours
- Your Contributions
- To manage a full range of planning applications and associated consents, Section 106 negotiations, professional analysis and appraisal, and deal with planning appeals and Inquiries.
- To act as a facilitator and to coordinate departments in the delivery of the planning process.
- To provide professional advice, support and expertise, including undertaking formal presentations to the Development Control Committee.
- To provide specific specialist planning advice in respect of environmental assessment, conservation and listed buildings, enforcement and pre-application advice and to prepare guidance and instruction for users of the service in respect of these specialist matters.
- The post holder will also undertake all other aspects of planning, and allied working including policy formulation and input into the plan making process.
- To provide a lead on Planning Enforcement and Planning application process to deliver a quality service.
- To have responsibility for managing and monitoring money received and spent via section 106 agreements.
- Dealing with elected members, statutory agencies, the public and other bodies on planning matters as well as allied activity.
- Preparing reports and recommendations in respect of planning applications and other associated activity for assessment and the agreement of the Director.
- Other duties including the maintenance of all necessary statutory records, ensuring that on-going development is checked and monitored and relevant policy documents are regularly reviewed and updated (within the qualifications and experience of the post-holder) as required by the Director including cover for absent colleagues.
- To assist with the rolling out of programmes of continuous improvement, identifying good practice and innovation.
- To have day to day responsibility for the supervision and monitoring of junior team colleagues, providing advice, guidance and on the job support and allocating work.
- Undertake any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time, which are commensurate with the grade of the job.
- The post-holder will be a member of the team of professional and support officers dealing with a wide range of complex planning and related work, and will be expected to operate flexibly within that context.
- Our Offer
- 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.
- Extensive employee benefits platform including discounted shopping, car leasing, gym memberships, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Car User allowance.
Interviews will take place week commencing 12th October 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.
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Principal Planning Officer in Widnes 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer in Widnes
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Halton Borough Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Halton Borough Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Halton Borough Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Halton Borough Council.
