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- Tasks: Lead planning policy development and engage with the community to enhance local services.
- Company: Join West Northants Council, a dynamic team focused on making the area thrive.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, career growth opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in local development while collaborating with like-minded individuals.
- Qualifications: Must be RTPI member with a recognised planning-related degree or diploma.
- Other info: We are a disability confident employer and support diverse applicants.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and forward-thinking Planning Policy Officer to join our dynamic Planning Policy Team. In this role, you will play a key part in delivering the team’s objectives and enhancing the quality of planning services across the district.
You will actively engage with the local community and embrace new technologies to ensure our services are modern, responsive, and efficient.
What will you be doing?
Your contribution will be vital in supporting the Team Leader and Head of Service in the preparation and review of Local Development Documents, including the Local Plan and its associated components such as the evidence base, community engagement activities, consultation documents, Sustainability Appraisals, Authorities Monitoring Reports, and neighbourhood plans.
You will also take the lead in developing planning policies and proposals, working closely with other council services, partner authorities, and agencies to ensure effective implementation.
The role involves providing planning policy advice at both formal and informal Council meetings and contributing to the overall delivery of a high-quality, value-for-money service. You will help manage the day-to-day operations of the Planning Policy team while adhering to both policy and operational guidelines.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to make a meaningful impact in shaping local development through collaborative, proactive, and community-focused planning work.
About you
To be successful in this role, you must be a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and hold a planning-related degree or diploma that is recognised by the RTPI.
This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to local planning in a supportive, collaborative environment.
At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.
Our vision is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.
We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner
The following film was created by us to communicate our intentions – watch WNC colleagues explain what DEI means to us .
If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.
West Northants Council, where careers thrive.
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Principal Planning Policy Officer employer: West Northants Council
Contact Detail:
West Northants Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Policy Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current Local Development Documents and planning policies in West Northants. Understanding the local context will help you engage more effectively during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who are members of the RTPI. Attend local planning events or webinars to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to community engagement activities. Think of innovative ways to involve the local community in planning processes, as this aligns with the council's focus on modern and responsive services.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of sustainability in planning. Be ready to discuss how you would approach Sustainability Appraisals and integrate sustainable practices into planning policies, reflecting the council's commitment to high-quality service delivery.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Planning Policy Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, such as being a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and holding a relevant degree.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight your experience in planning policy, community engagement, and collaboration with local authorities. Emphasise any relevant projects or roles that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality planning services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for planning and your alignment with the council's values of Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate, and Empower. Mention specific examples of how you have contributed to similar projects in the past.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your documents are clear, concise, and professionally formatted to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Northants Council
✨Show Your Passion for Planning
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for planning and community engagement during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to planning projects in the past, highlighting your commitment to enhancing local development.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Local Policies
Familiarise yourself with the local development documents and policies relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing new planning policies and proposals, showcasing your understanding of the local context.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, highlight your experience in collaborative projects. Discuss how you've successfully engaged with community members, partner authorities, and other council services to achieve common goals.
✨Align with Their Values
Research West Northants Council's corporate values (THRIVE) and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to provide examples of how you've demonstrated trust, high performance, respect, innovation, and empowerment in your previous roles.
