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- Tasks: Lead the development of planning policies and shape sustainable communities in Lincolnshire.
- Company: Join the largest Council Partnership in England, driving growth and regeneration.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and the environment through innovative planning.
- Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of planning legislation and experience in Local Plan preparation.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong support for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Shape the Future of South East Lincolnshire
Are you an experienced planning policy professional looking for a role where you can make a real impact? Join us as a Principal Planning Policy Officer and play a key role in delivering the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan, supporting growth, regeneration, and sustainable development across two councils – Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council. As part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) – the largest of its kind in England – you’ll work in a dynamic environment covering 49% of Lincolnshire’s geography and 300,000 residents. Our Partnership is driving strategic growth through the delivery of thousands of new homes and employment land allocations across Lincolnshire.
We are leading on the review and implementation of Local Plans, setting the framework for sustainable development, climate resilience, and infrastructure investment. This includes shaping policies for housing delivery, biodiversity net gain, renewable energy, and coastal protection – ensuring our communities thrive now and in the future.
About Us
Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council have formed the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership. The largest Council Partnership in the country. Since October 2021, the Partnership Councils have been working closely to deliver improved services to the communities in the sub-region and already there have been many positive outcomes. Over time, it is envisaged that services will become formally shared across the three Councils creating the opportunity for colleagues to be involved in new and innovative areas of work.
Responsibilities
- Be a lead officer in preparing evidence, policies, and supporting documents for the Local Plan.
- Influence housing delivery targets and employment land allocations that will shape the future of our communities.
- Work on diverse policy areas including climate change, biodiversity net gain, renewable energy, and flood risk.
- Benefit from a strong culture of staff development, including RTPI support and leadership programmes.
- Enjoy agile and flexible working arrangements within a collaborative environment.
About the Role
As Principal Planning Policy Officer, you will:
- Lead on the preparation, monitoring, and review of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan.
- Manage specific projects and deputise for the Planning Policy Manager when required.
- Provide expert evidence at Local Plan Examinations and planning inquiries.
- Organise consultations, site investigations, and data analysis to inform policy development.
- Mentor junior team members and contribute to performance management and service improvement.
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive knowledge of planning legislation and policy development.
- Experience in Local Plan preparation and delivering sound, adoptable plans.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
- RTPI membership (or eligibility) and commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Ability to travel across a wide rural district as part of your duties.
Benefits
We offer excellent terms and conditions of employment including:
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous employer contributions to a scheme designed to provide long-term financial security after your working life.
- Generous annual leave scheme + option to buy more.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Employee Benefits Platform including retail, holiday, and leisure discounts.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Flu Jabs.
- Flexible Working Policy.
- Agile Working Policy.
- Excellent career progression and training opportunities.
- Long Service Recognition.
Contacts
If you are interested in having a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Brian Gallagher at Brian.Gallagher@penna.com or 07716 098175.
Ready to Shape Policy for Growth?
If you’re passionate about planning policy and want to help deliver sustainable communities across Lincolnshire, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Upload your CV under “Please select one of the options below.” Complete the short mandatory fields on the next page. Use ‘Add Attachments’ to upload your Supporting Statement and any other documents. Please ensure that the file name of your CV and supporting statement includes your full name. Ensure both CV and Supporting Statement are uploaded before submitting your application.
If you have a long-term health condition or disability and would like your application to be considered in accordance with a Disability Confident Scheme, please email: execapplications@penna.com, to inform the Penna team.
Please note this campaign may close early if an appropriate candidate is found.
Principal Planning Policy Officer employer: South Holland
Contact Detail:
South Holland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Policy Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the planning policy field through LinkedIn or local events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the councils and their current projects. Show us you’re passionate about sustainable development and have ideas on how to contribute to the Local Plan.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Principal Planning Policy Officer, you’ll need to present evidence and policies clearly. Get comfortable with explaining complex ideas in simple terms.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Planning Policy Officer role. Highlight your knowledge of planning legislation and any relevant projects you've worked on to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be clear about your passion for sustainable development and how you can contribute to our goals.
Follow Application Instructions: We want to make this process as smooth as possible, so be sure to follow the application instructions carefully. Upload your CV and supporting statement with your full name in the file names, and double-check that everything is attached before hitting submit!
Show Your Commitment to Development: Mention any ongoing professional development or RTPI membership in your application. We value candidates who are committed to growth and learning, so let us know how you plan to continue developing your skills in planning policy.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Holland
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning legislation and policies relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals for sustainable development and climate resilience.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strong analytical abilities. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully prepared evidence or influenced housing delivery targets, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage complex policy areas effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical aspects of planning policy. Strong communication skills are essential, so consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your responses and ensure you can convey your ideas confidently.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship
Since the role involves mentoring junior team members, think of instances where you've taken on leadership responsibilities. Be prepared to share how you've contributed to team performance management and service improvement, showcasing your ability to lead and inspire others.
