Principal Planning Policy Officer in London

Purpose of Job Principal Planning Policy Officer

To shape the delivery of a quality planning service by leading in all aspects of statutory and non-statutory plan-making and implementation, providing professional expertise, technical advice and guidance to positively shape development and promoting continuous innovation in the way planning policy is developed and implemented, ensuring integration into wider agendas and achievement of the borough’s social, economic and environmental objectives.

The post holder is accountable for significant work areas of a complex policy nature within the Planning Policy team, deputising for the Head of Plan Making and Place Shaping and managing the team in their absence. They may also directly line manage junior planning policy staff. They will hold specialist skills in one or more areas to enable the team to provide a comprehensive and professional range of skills aligned to national and local policy priorities. The post holder will lead and manage the development and promotion of policies, including the commissioning of specialist evidence by external consultants. They defend these at public examination and appeals. They will provide planning policy expertise in response to both requests for advice and guidance across the authority, and in response to the needs of external customers, at all stages of the planning process.

The post holder may be required to work evenings, weekends and occasional public holidays in order to meet service requirements.

Summary of Main Duties Principal Planning Policy Officer

• Lead the preparation, implementation, review and monitoring of major areas of policy in the Council’s Local Plan.
• Lead the preparation, implementation, review and monitoring of Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) and other supplementary planning guidance.
• Lead the preparation of evidence, including presenting evidence at Examinations in Public, Public Inquiries, Hearings and in writing.
• Manage specialist planning policy studies and projects including the development of robust briefs, procurement and management of external consultants and contractors, effective project management and rigorous financial control.
• Lead effective public consultation and participation projects and programmes to inform formulation of planning policy and guidance, and disseminate information arising from statutory and non-statutory consultations.
• Lead effective partnership working with a range of internal and external stakeholders to promote planning policy matters and negotiate, advise and communicate with relevant stakeholders to achieve the implementation and development of the Local Plan and related guidance.
• Deal with complex enquiries from members, Chief Officers, MPs, the public, developers, other authorities, relevant clients etc. on planning and developmental issues and proposals involving planning policy matters.
• Act as an effective deputy for the Strategic Planning Manager and/or Assistant Director Planning & Building Control where required and constructively, actively and positively represent the Council’s position in relation to planning policy matters at internal and external meetings, multi-agency working groups, public meetings and forums.
• Prepare and present briefing papers, reports and other documents for senior officers, and elected Members including at Cabinet and other public meetings on planning policy matters.