Principal Policy Officer

Halton Borough Council's Planning Policy team is looking for an experienced and motivated Principal Planning Policy Officer to join its small and collaborative team.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future development of Halton. You will be responsible for helping to maintain the current Delivery and Allocations Local Plan (DALP) while contributing to the development of a new revised Local Plan.

Working within the context of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG), you will help ensure that Halton's planning policies support the Council's aspirations for growth across the borough, whilst also contributing to the wider ambitions of the Liverpool City Region.

You will bring substantial experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation, together with the ability to provide professional advice, lead projects and support the development of more junior members of the team.

As Principal Planning Policy Officer, you will:

• Act as a principal adviser to the Council on a range of planning policy matters, developing and implementing work programmes aligned with service objectives.
• Take day-to-day responsibility for supervising Planning Policy and Assistant Planning Policy Officers, providing advice, guidance and on-the-job support.
• Allocate and oversee work in agreement with the Lead Planning Policy Officer and Service Manager for Planning Policy and Transport Strategy.
• Lead multidisciplinary and multi-agency project teams to deliver agreed work programmes.
• Contribute to the preparation, review and development of Local Plans, including undertaking site assessments.
• Apply your knowledge of the NPPF and PPG to the development and monitoring of Local Plans.
• Undertake or commission research and evidence gathering to support policy and strategy development.
• Consult and engage with Council departments, partners, residents, service users and other stakeholders.
• Develop and promote strategies, policies, procedures and action plans.
• Establish systems to monitor the progress and effectiveness of policies and strategies.
• Keep up to date with current and forthcoming legislation, guidance and policy developments, assessing their implications for Halton.
• Develop effective partnership working and support the development and management of strategic partnerships where required.
• Identify resource implications associated with policy implementation and contribute to budget preparation, funding bids and partnership funding processes.
• Contribute to corporate policies and processes, including business continuity, risk assessments, equality impact assessments and service plans.
• Prepare and present reports to senior managers, elected members and partners.
• Represent the Council at external meetings, partnerships and other relevant forums.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the Council and wider community.

We are looking for an experienced planning professional with substantial experience in planning policy and Local Plan development.

You will ideally have:

• An RTPI-accredited Planning Degree.
• A Master's Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
• MRTPI membership.
• Significant experience working in planning policy.
• Experience of Local Plan development from conception through to adoption.
• Experience of planning policy development and preparation of evidence-based policies.
• Experience of Local Plan site assessments.
• Strong working knowledge of the NPPF and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG).
• Strong research, analytical and report-writing skills.
• The ability to interpret complex information and communicate it clearly to a range of audiences.
• Experience of community engagement and consultation.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• The ability to manage your own workload and work effectively to deadlines.
• Experience of supporting, mentoring or supervising junior colleagues.
• Excellent communication and partnership-working skills.
• A commitment to maintaining your professional knowledge and supporting the development of others.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential, as the role involves regular travel across the borough and, on occasion, further afield. Reasonable adjustments will be considered where appropriate in accordance with the Equality Act.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future growth and development of Halton, working on strategic planning policy that will shape the borough for years to come.

You will join a supportive and collaborative Planning Policy team where your expertise will be valued, whilst having the opportunity to work on significant Local Plan and policy development projects.

Connect2Halton is a trading style of Halton & Kent Commercial Services LLP- A joint venture between Halton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.