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- Tasks: Lead strategic planning policy and shape the borough's future growth.
- Company: Rushmoor Borough Council, a small but ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and influence the future of your community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile regeneration projects and local planning.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning, MRTPI status, and experience in planning policy.
The predicted salary is between 48256 - 55596 £ per year.
Location: Farnborough (Hybrid Working Available)
Salary: £48,256 – £55,596 + £2,400 allowance
Full Time | Permanent
At Rushmoor Borough Council, they may be small, but they are ambitious — and this is a genuinely exciting time to join. Significant regeneration and development is underway across Aldershot and Farnborough, with major projects such as the Galleries redevelopment, Farnborough Civic Quarter proposals, and a large-scale commercial masterplan set to transform the area.
Alongside this, the Council is delivering high-profile schemes including a new leisure centre, determining complex applications such as those at Farnborough Airport, and—crucially—embarking on the preparation of a brand new Local Plan. With the timetable now published, the programme is moving at pace: notice will be served in May, initial consultation will take place in June 2026, Gateway 1 is targeted for September, and a second consultation is planned for early 2027. This represents a rare opportunity to get involved at the very start of the process and play a central role in shaping the borough’s long-term strategy for growth.
All of this sits at the heart of the Council’s vision to deliver sustainable, high-quality, and well-designed development across the borough — making this an exceptional time to join as a Principal Planning Officer (Policy).
The Role
This is a key position within the planning team, offering the opportunity to lead on strategic planning policy and Local Plan preparation at a critical time. You will take responsibility for driving forward planning policy work, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring the delivery of a robust and forward-thinking planning framework.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the preparation and review of the Local Plan and strategic planning policy documents
- Managing and commissioning evidence base studies
- Driving engagement with members, communities, developers and key stakeholders
- Representing the Council at Examinations in Public, appeals and inquiries
- Preparing and presenting reports to Cabinet, Council and senior leadership
- Managing consultation exercises and ensuring statutory compliance
- Working collaboratively with neighbouring authorities and partner organisations
- Supporting and deputising for the Planning Policy Service Manager
- Managing and mentoring junior members of the team
About You
We are looking for an experienced and motivated planning professional who can operate at a senior level and take ownership of complex policy work. You will have:
- A degree in Town Planning or related discipline
- MRTPI Chartered status (or eligibility)
- Proven experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation
- Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy frameworks
- Experience within a local authority planning environment
- Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strong organisational and project management ability
- Experience managing or mentoring staff (desirable)
You will be a confident and proactive individual, capable of influencing outcomes and driving forward key planning initiatives.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary of £48,256 – £55,596 + £2,400 allowance
- Flexible and hybrid working
- The opportunity to lead on high-profile Local Plan and regeneration work
- A supportive and forward-thinking team environment
- The chance to play a key role in shaping the future growth of the borough
- Ongoing professional development and career progression
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the planning policy of a borough undergoing significant transformation and growth. If you’re looking to step into a role where you can make a genuine impact and influence the future of places — this is it.
Apply
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact: Rob Hanks Futuregen Recruitment Email: Mobile: 07855 276123
Principal Planning Officer (Policy) in Derby employer: Rushmoor Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Rushmoor Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer (Policy) in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning sector. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Rushmoor Borough Council and their current projects. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work, especially the Local Plan and regeneration initiatives. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Principal Planning Officer, you’ll need to present reports and engage with stakeholders. Grab a friend or family member and run through your key points. Confidence is key, so make sure you can communicate your ideas clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s shape the future together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer (Policy) in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Planning Officer role. Highlight your experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on that align with Rushmoor Borough Council's vision.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills match the job requirements. Use specific examples to illustrate your communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management abilities. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to understand. This shows us that you can communicate effectively, which is crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rushmoor Borough Council
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest UK planning legislation and policy frameworks. Being able to discuss how these apply to the role of Principal Planning Officer will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re ready to dive into the complexities of the job.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. This could include community consultations or working with developers. Demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively will be key, especially since this role involves a lot of collaboration.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing complex projects, particularly in planning policy and Local Plan preparation. Highlight specific instances where you’ve led initiatives or mentored junior staff, as this will resonate well with their expectations for leadership.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Think about potential challenges the Council might face with the upcoming Local Plan and regeneration projects. Prepare to discuss how you would approach these issues, showcasing your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and readiness to contribute from day one.