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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 play a key role in community transformation.
- 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.
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.
- 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: rob@futuregenrecruitment.com
Mobile: 07855 276123
Locations
Principal Planning Officer (Policy) in Farnborough, Hampshire 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 Farnborough, Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Rushmoor Borough Council's recent projects and their vision for the future. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their ambitious plans.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get the inside scoop on the team culture and what they value in a Principal Planning Officer. Plus, it’s a great way to make connections that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to planning policy and stakeholder engagement. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and how you can contribute to the Local Plan preparation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you throughout the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer (Policy) in Farnborough, Hampshire
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 in stakeholder engagement and project management can contribute to the exciting regeneration projects at Rushmoor. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us see your communication skills right from the start, which is crucial for this 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 you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rushmoor Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy frameworks. Familiarise yourself with the key projects mentioned in the job description, like the Galleries redevelopment and the new Local Plan. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Engage Stakeholders
Since stakeholder engagement is a big part of the role, think about how you would approach this in your previous experiences. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with communities or developers in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to drive forward planning initiatives effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll be expected to manage and mentor junior team members. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've supported others in their professional development. This will highlight your capability to take ownership of complex policy work.
✨Prepare for Presentations
You'll need to prepare and present reports to senior leadership, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing a mock presentation on a relevant topic to get comfortable with speaking in front of an audience. This will help you stand out as a confident candidate who can influence outcomes.