Principal Planning Officer (Dev Plans) in Milton Keynes

We’re recruiting a Principal Planning Officer to join our award-winning Planning service and contribute to delivering our Council Plan and the Milton Keynes 2050 Strategy. Our team leads on the development of policy and strategy to help deliver an ambitious vision for the future growth and prosperity of Milton Keynes. At the heart of this is the MK City Plan 2050 that will shape the growth of the city through to 2050. This role is ideal for someone with extensive experience in planning policy and a strong understanding of legislation and evidence‑based decision making. This role may be suitable for home working, following an assessment. Home-based roles require a minimum of one day in the office per week.

Interviews for this role will be held on 14 May. Milton Keynes City Council is a modern and friendly place to work.

Main Responsibilities:

• Produce, review and update Development Plan Documents and other planning policy documents.
• Lead on and support a variety of engagement and consultation activities.
• Analyse and evaluate information on the physical, social, economic, environmental and demographic development of the borough.
• Provide planning policy advice to colleagues across the council, councillors, parish and town councils and members of the public.
• Prepare responses to national, regional and local consultations affecting the borough.
• Line manage, coach and mentor planning policy officers.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Holds a degree in Town Planning or a related subject with extensive experience of plan-making and the English planning system.
• Has extensive knowledge of the plan‑making system, legislation and national guidance.
• An excellent communicator who can successfully engage with a range of people from different backgrounds to achieve successful outcomes.
• Can analyse and interpret data, including mapping and demographic information.
• Someone who has successfully led high-profile and challenging projects delivering high quality outputs and outcomes.
• Someone who has a track record in successfully mentoring and coaching junior colleagues to develop their careers.
• Builds positive relationships and works collaboratively with colleagues, councillors, stakeholders and communities in line with our values: dedicated, respectful and collaborative.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. If you’re offered the position, we’ll ask for proof of your licence and vehicle insurance, including business use cover. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to confirm your appointment without these documents.

Package Description:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme – low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Why join us?

Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you.

Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

About The Organisation:

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live. We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference. We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.