Policy Planner

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified, experienced and self-motivated individual to join a multi-discipline Planning Policy team in Neath Port Talbot. This position is a temporary one year contract.

As a Policy Planner, you will support the team in a range of planning policy matters whilst playing a key role in the preparation, monitoring and review of the Local Development Plan, including formulation of planning policy and the production and commissioning of key evidence-based documents. You will be required to prepare reports and help make recommendations on a range of planning policy matters and to appear on behalf of the Council at the Examination in Public and Planning Appeals. Part of the role will be to contribute towards on-going regional collaboration and assist in the preparation of joint evidence studies and methodologies.

The role will help shape the direction of strategic planning and candidates should have a proven track record of carrying out research and analysis across a range of planning portfolios. You should demonstrate an aptitude to deliver positive outcomes and promote sustainable development and growth. Previous experience of partnership working and public engagement/consultation and the ability to work on your own initiative is essential.

The successful candidate should demonstrate a sound knowledge of National Planning Policy and Legislation, in particular the Local Development Plan process, and be familiar with the workings of a professional planning office within local government. Candidates are required to hold an RTPI accredited Planning Degree or equivalent Planning qualification and/or have considerable experience in a similar discipline.

If you think that you have the necessary experience and qualifications for this role, we would love to hear from you. We would welcome those with experience in the following areas:

• Planning Policy, including the development of evidence based strategy/policy making and monitoring for a range of topic/portfolio areas.
• Implementation of relevant legislation, regulations and national/regional policies.
• Delivering extensive public engagement and consultation programmes.
• Providing evidence at Examination in Public and Appeals.

About us: We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need. Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.

• Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance.
• Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 15.3% employer pension contribution.
• Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too).
• Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure.
• Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment.
• Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme.
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

Your workstyle will be a mobile hybrid worker in this role which gives you the flexibility to work from home and from a variety of Council workplaces. For an informal discussion, please contact Lana Beynon on Interviews to be held on the 3rd and 4th of September 2026.

This post is not subject to a DBS check. Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing. The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.

Welsh Language skills are desirable. Applications may be submitted in Welsh; applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you have been affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot. We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees. We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.