At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of Lancaster through exciting planning projects and community development.
- Company: Join Lancaster City Council, committed to sustainability and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts on activities and retail.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse workplace that values your unique contributions and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team dedicated to creating a sustainable and inclusive district.
- Qualifications: Qualified town planners or those working towards RTPI membership with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
It is an exciting time to join Lancaster and develop your planning career in a diverse district with urban, rural and coastline communities. As a Principal Planning Officer, you will play an important role in shaping the future of our district and helping to deliver our major development projects. This might include working on the new Eden Project adjacent to Morecambe Bay; or to deliver our emerging new vision for Lancaster's historic Canal Quarter. You may be involved in proposals at Lancaster Castle, or for the new high-level employment hub at the Heysham Gateway.
The role would suit an experienced planner who is keen to hone their own skills in a supportive environment. You will join an established, dedicated and friendly team of planners who share our vision of:
- A Sustainable District;
- An Inclusive and Prosperous Local Economy;
- Healthy and Happy Communities;
- A Co-operative, Kind and Responsible Council.
We want to hear from talented candidates who are qualified town planners (RTPI membership or those who are eligible for/working towards joining the RTPI); who have a good working knowledge of planning legislation, and who have excellent communication and mentoring skills. A full current UK driving licence is essential, as the post holder will occasionally be required to undertake site visits. The hours of work for this position are 37 hours per week, working Monday to Friday. Flexible working friendly – we offer hybrid working, a generous flexi-time scheme, and opportunity to work with your team to establish working hours to enable you to maximise your work-life balance.
You will identify with our organisational values of Pride, Ownership, Working Together and Ambition.
Lancaster is a great place to work, as well as being part of something special you will also benefit from:
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- A range of employee benefits including discounted gym membership, cycle to work scheme, the opportunity to purchase extra time off, as well as discounts on days out, activities and retail.
Lancaster City Council has unanimously declared a climate emergency and will therefore work towards reducing carbon emissions to net-zero by 2030. As part of this role, you will be expected to participate and work towards reducing both carbon emissions and the impacts of climate change.
We are an Investor in People, Forces Friendly employer, and an Armed Forces Covenant committed organisation. We welcome applications from defence reserves and other members of our armed forces community. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all parts of our community. At Lancaster City Council we aim to have a diverse workforce that is representative of the district that we serve, and provide a working environment where each employee feels able to bring their whole self to work. We welcome applications from all sections of our community and provide several supportive and inclusive workplace networks and safe spaces for employees to feel connected. Our workplace wellbeing strategy drives our commitment to staff wellbeing initiatives and ensuring that our organisation is a great place to work for all. We are a disability confident committed employer.
Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we are unable to update all applicants individually. If you do not receive a response from us within 2 weeks of the closing date then your application will have unfortunately been unsuccessful in progressing to interview.
Interview date: TBC
Principal Planning Officer in Lancaster employer: Lancaster City Council
Lancaster City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can thrive as a Principal Planning Officer. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on sustainability, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of our diverse district. Join a dedicated team that values collaboration and ambition, while enjoying generous benefits such as a local government pension scheme and a range of employee perks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer in Lancaster
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lancaster's current development projects, such as the Eden Project and the Canal Quarter. Being knowledgeable about these initiatives will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who are already working in or around Lancaster. Attend local planning events or forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the council's priorities and challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication and mentoring skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or mentored junior planners in the past. This will highlight your fit for the supportive environment they value at Lancaster City Council.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Lancaster City Council's commitment to sustainability and their climate emergency declaration. Be ready to discuss how your planning approach aligns with their goals for reducing carbon emissions and promoting a sustainable district.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Planning Officer position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in planning, particularly any work related to urban, rural, or coastal projects. Emphasise your RTPI membership status and any mentoring experience you have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for planning and your alignment with Lancaster City Council's values. Mention specific projects or initiatives you are excited about, such as the Eden Project or the Canal Quarter vision.
Proofread and Edit:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professional to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster City Council
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you have applied this knowledge in previous positions, especially in relation to major development projects.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Planning Officer, excellent communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex planning concepts to various stakeholders, including the public and local authorities.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Sustainability
Given Lancaster City Council's focus on reducing carbon emissions, be ready to discuss your understanding of sustainable planning practices and how you can contribute to the council's climate goals.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Highlight your experience working in teams and how you foster collaboration. Share specific instances where you worked together with colleagues to achieve a common goal, reflecting the council's values of working together.
