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- Tasks: Lead the drafting of site allocation policies for housing and employment sites.
- Company: Join Swale Borough Council's dynamic Housing team in a collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Flexible work pattern with remote options and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local planning and contribute to community development.
- Qualifications: Experience in drafting allocation policies and supporting Local Plans is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Neway are looking for a Principal Planning Officer (Spatial Planning) to join the Housing team based with Swale & Maidstone Borough Council.
Location: East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3HT
Contract: ongoing | 34 hrs per week
Start: 04 May 2026
Work Pattern: 2 days in Swale House + 2.5 days remote (1 office day considered)
About the Role
Swale Borough Council is seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer (Spatial Planning) to support the delivery of their ambitious Local Plan programme. The council is working to a December submission deadline and requires a specialist planner to lead on drafting site allocation policies for housing and employment sites as part of the Regulation 19 Local Plan. The job description highlights that “experience of drafting allocation policies is essential” and that the successful candidate will also “assist with reviewing Strategic Policies and the documents required to accompany a Reg 19 consultation.”
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on drafting site allocation policies for selected housing and employment sites.
- Contribute to the preparation of Strategic Policies and supporting Reg 19 documentation.
- Work collaboratively with officers across Place Services and other council departments to ensure policies are robust and fit for purpose.
- Support the Local Plan through Regulation 19 and examination stages.
- Undertake site visits (full driving licence required).
About You
You will bring:
- Proven experience drafting allocation policies for Local Plans (examples required).
- Experience supporting a Local Plan through Regulation 19 and examination.
- Strong collaborative skills to work across multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent written communication and policy‑drafting ability.
- Ability to manage workload in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
Principal Planning Officer (Spatial Planning) – Housing in England employer: Neway International Ltd
Contact Detail:
Neway International Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer (Spatial Planning) – Housing in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Swale & Maidstone Borough Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of local planning policies. We should be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with their ambitious Local Plan programme and demonstrate our expertise in drafting allocation policies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our collaborative skills! During interviews, we can share examples of how we've worked with multidisciplinary teams in the past. This will highlight our ability to fit into their team dynamic and contribute effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight our relevant experience in drafting allocation policies and supporting Local Plans.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer (Spatial Planning) – Housing in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your proven experience in drafting allocation policies for Local Plans. We want to see specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and how you've contributed to similar projects in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We’re looking for candidates who can show us they understand the role and the council's goals. Tailor your cover letter and CV to reflect how your skills align with the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: When it comes to written communication, clarity is key. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your policy-drafting ability shines through.
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 there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Neway International Ltd
✨Know Your Policies Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the allocation policies and local plans relevant to the role. Brush up on your experience drafting these policies, as you'll need to provide specific examples during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working with various teams, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Think of specific projects where teamwork was key and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to manage deadlines and workload. Prepare scenarios from your previous roles where you successfully navigated tight timelines or complex projects, highlighting your problem-solving skills.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As excellent written communication is crucial, be ready to discuss how you’ve drafted policies and reports. You might even want to bring samples of your work to showcase your writing style and clarity.