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- Tasks: Lead the development of impactful planning policies for sustainable growth in South East Lincolnshire.
- Company: Join the largest Council Partnership in England, shaping communities and environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong support for professional development and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while advancing your career in planning.
- Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of planning legislation and experience in Local Plan preparation required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Shape the Future of South East Lincolnshire
Are you an experienced planning policy professional looking for a role where you can make a real impact? Join us as a Principal Planning Policy Officer and play a key role in delivering the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan, supporting growth, regeneration, and sustainable development across two councils – Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council.
As part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) – the largest of its kind in England – you’ll work in a dynamic environment covering 49% of Lincolnshire’s geography and 300,000 residents. Our Partnership is driving strategic growth through the delivery of thousands of new homes and employment land allocations across Lincolnshire. We are leading on the review and implementation of Local Plans, setting the framework for sustainable development, climate resilience, and infrastructure investment. This includes shaping policies for housing delivery, biodiversity net gain, renewable energy, and coastal protection – ensuring our communities thrive now and in the future.
ABOUT US: Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council have formed the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership. The largest Council Partnership in the country. Since October 2021, the Partnership Councils have been working closely to deliver improved services to the communities in the sub-region and already there have been many positive outcomes. Over time, it is envisaged that services will become formally shared across the three Councils creating the opportunity for colleagues to be involved in new and innovative areas of work.
Why Join Us
- Be a lead officer in preparing evidence, policies, and supporting documents for the Local Plan.
- Influence housing delivery targets and employment land allocations that will shape the future of our communities.
- Work on diverse policy areas including climate change, biodiversity net gain, renewable energy, and flood risk.
- Benefit from a strong culture of staff development, including RTPI support and leadership programmes.
- Enjoy agile and flexible working arrangements within a collaborative environment.
About the Role
As Principal Planning Policy Officer, you will:
- Lead on the preparation, monitoring, and review of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan.
- Manage specific projects and deputise for the Planning Policy Manager when required.
- Provide expert evidence at Local Plan Examinations and planning inquiries.
- Organise consultations, site investigations, and data analysis to inform policy development.
- Mentor junior team members and contribute to performance management and service improvement.
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive knowledge of planning legislation and policy development.
- Experience in Local Plan preparation and delivering sound, adoptable plans.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
- RTPI membership (or eligibility) and commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Ability to travel across a wide rural district as part of your duties.
Benefits
We offer excellent terms and conditions of employment including:
- Local Government Pension Scheme, 23.8% employer contribution
- Generous annual leave scheme + option to buy more
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Benefits Platform including retail, holiday, and leisure discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flu Jabs
- Flexible Working Policy
- Agile Working Policy
- Excellent career progression and training opportunities
- Long Service Recognition
If you are interested in having a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Brian Gallagher at brian.gallagher@penna.com or 07716 098175.
Principal Planning Policy Officer employer: Lincolnshire Council
Contact Detail:
Lincolnshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Policy Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the planning policy field through LinkedIn or local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the councils and their current projects. Show us you’re genuinely interested in shaping the future of South East Lincolnshire by discussing specific policies or initiatives during your chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our fantastic team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning policy. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Planning Policy Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of planning legislation and policy development in your application. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so share examples that reflect your expertise and passion for sustainable development.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
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 details you need about the role and our partnership there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lincolnshire Council
✨Know Your Local Plans
Familiarise yourself with the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan and its key policies. Understand how they impact housing delivery, biodiversity, and climate resilience. This will show your commitment and readiness to contribute meaningfully.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your expertise in planning legislation and policy development. Highlight any successful projects you've led or contributed to, especially those related to local plans.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, ask insightful questions about the councils' current challenges and future goals. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge how you can fit into their vision and contribute effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planning Policy Officer, you'll be expected to mentor junior team members. Share your experiences in leading teams or projects, and discuss how you approach performance management and service improvement.