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- Tasks: Shape sustainable growth and development through planning policies and community engagement.
- Company: Join Westmorland and Furness Council, a forward-thinking authority focused on community needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced leave, and various perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of your community with innovative planning.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or related field; strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to join Westmorland and Furness Council’s Planning Policy Service as a Senior Planning Policy Officer, helping to shape the sustainable growth and development of our area. The Planning Policy Service is responsible for preparing and maintaining the Council’s planning policy framework, including the Local Plan, which guides sustainable growth, housing, infrastructure, and environmental management. The team works collaboratively across the Council and with communities, developers, and partners to ensure policies reflect both local priorities and national planning objectives.
You will be joining the Council at an important time to help prepare the first Local Plan (and its evidence base) for Westmorland and Furness in line with the requirements of the new planning system and will be part of a team of over 20 professionals. As a Senior Planning Policy Officer, you’ll play a key role in developing, delivering, and monitoring planning policies that promote sustainable and inclusive development. You’ll manage your own projects, contribute to the evidence base that underpins policy decisions, and engage with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll also support and mentor junior colleagues while helping to ensure that our planning policy remains responsive, effective, and ambitious for the communities we serve.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner looking to develop their career in a forward-thinking, customer-focussed authority.
Who we are looking for…
We’re seeking a motivated, experienced and highly skilled policy officer who is ready to hit the ground running to help prepare the new Local Plan in an ambitious timescale. Experience of neighbourhood planning would be desirable but is not essential.
You’ll bring:
- A degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, or a related discipline.
- Ideally, membership (or eligibility) of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Experience in the preparation, monitoring, and implementation of planning policy.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex evidence and deliver high-quality outputs.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to engage confidently with colleagues, elected members, and the public.
If you’re passionate about creating sustainable, well-designed places and want to make a real difference to the future of Westmorland and Furness, we’d love to hear from you.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments: Post Specification Role Profile. If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Helen Houston, Planning Policy Service Manager, Helen.Houston@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk. To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
Senior Planning Policy Officer - WMF2622e employer: Westmorland And Furness Council
Contact Detail:
Westmorland And Furness Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Policy Officer - WMF2622e
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning sector, especially those connected to Westmorland and Furness Council. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local planning policies and the new Local Plan. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the Council's goals and how you can contribute to sustainable development.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've interpreted complex evidence in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality outputs that align with the Council’s objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Westmorland and Furness Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Policy Officer - WMF2622e
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning policy. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Planning Policy Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be engaging with a variety of stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent written and verbal communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this ability, as it’s key for the role.
Highlight Your Analytical Skills: We’re looking for someone with strong analytical skills, so make sure to include examples of how you've interpreted complex evidence in your previous roles. This will show us that you can deliver high-quality outputs that are essential for developing effective planning policies.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westmorland And Furness Council
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and frameworks relevant to Westmorland and Furness. Familiarise yourself with the Local Plan and any recent changes in legislation. This will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in past roles. Whether it's communities, developers, or colleagues, being able to demonstrate your communication skills and collaborative approach will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've interpreted complex evidence to inform policy decisions. Highlight your analytical skills by preparing a case study or two that illustrates your ability to deliver high-quality outputs.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the challenges the Planning Policy Service is currently facing or how they envision the new Local Plan shaping the community. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
