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- Tasks: Lead planning projects that shape the future of Havant's community and environment.
- Company: Join Havant Borough Council, dedicated to regeneration and community development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local development and contribute to community prosperity.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex planning cases and strong advisory skills are essential.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
With significant regeneration and development aspirations for the Borough of Havant, we are looking for an experienced professional to join our hard working and dedicated Development Management team to play a key role in our plans. The post offers a wide range of casework, encompassing not just the Borough’s built environment but also the important natural landscape designations that make it an attractive place to work. You’ll also enjoy line management responsibilities for 1 or 2 members of staff. This is a great opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future prosperity of our residents, businesses and customers.
What we offer:
- A competitive salary
- Support for your continuous professional development
- Generous Leave Allowance
- Free Parking
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working/Hybrid working to support your work-life balance
- Family Friendly Packages
- A comprehensive benefits package
You should have:
You will have experience of major and complex planning cases and appeals and the ability to provide sound advice and judgements for a range of audiences, including elected Members of the Council. Previous line management experience is desirable but not essential.
If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Paul Barton, Interim Head of Planning on 07435 982207 or paul.barton@havant.gov.uk.
To Apply:
If you can ensure that the right development happens in the right place; and that approved development takes place to a good standard and in a timely manner, then you are the kind of person we want to hear from! Please click apply and complete the short application process (3-4 minutes). Please ensure you attach your CV and a supporting statement when completing your application on our recruitment platform Hireful.
The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on Sunday 29 March 2026 and interviews will be held week commencing 13 April 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. We would encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
We want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities, therefore, we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment.
Principal Planning Officer in Havant employer: Havant Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Havant Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer in Havant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Havant Borough Council's recent projects and initiatives. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their regeneration and development goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local planning events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience with major planning cases aligns with the role. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex issues, as this will demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Completing the application process on our recruitment platform is quick and easy. Make sure to include a strong supporting statement that highlights how you meet the essential criteria – it’s your chance to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Planning Officer role. Highlight your experience with major planning cases and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in development management.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial! Use it to detail how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria mentioned in the job description. Be specific and give examples to back up your claims.
Keep It Concise: While we want to know all about you, keep your application concise and to the point. Aim for clarity and avoid unnecessary jargon – we appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it gives you peace of mind!
How to prepare for a job interview at Havant Borough Council
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of major and complex planning cases, especially those relevant to the Borough of Havant. Familiarise yourself with local policies and recent developments in the area, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Prepare Your Supporting Statement
Your supporting statement is crucial! Clearly outline how your experience aligns with the essential and desirable criteria mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your skills and achievements, particularly in managing casework and providing sound advice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Even if previous line management experience isn't essential, it's a good idea to highlight any leadership roles you've had. Discuss how you've supported team members or led projects, as this will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who can manage staff effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the council's future development plans or how they support continuous professional development. It shows you're engaged and serious about contributing to the team and the community.