Senior Planning Policy Officer

Job Description 3 Month Contract With A Local Authority Job Purpose

To play a key role in the preparation, delivery, and implementation of planning policy for West Northamptonshire, supporting the progression of the Local Plan and associated evidence base. The postholder will provide professional planning expertise to ensure the development of robust planning policies that support sustainable growth and meet statutory requirements.

• Lead and support the preparation, review, and delivery of the West Northamptonshire Local Plan.
• Manage and contribute to the development of key evidence base documents, including the Strategic Land Availability Assessment (SLAA), Site Selection assessments, and Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP).
• Undertake planning policy research, analysis, and assessment to inform policy development and strategic decision-making.
• Prepare reports, policy documents, consultation materials, and committee reports as required.
• Coordinate and manage stakeholder engagement activities, including consultations with developers, landowners, statutory consultees, local communities, and other partners.
• Assess development proposals and emerging planning issues against local and national planning policy.
• Support plan-making processes, including examinations, public consultations, and evidence gathering exercises.
• Monitor planning policy performance and contribute to the maintenance of relevant planning data and monitoring frameworks.
• Provide professional planning advice to internal departments, elected members, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with relevant planning legislation, national policy, and best practice guidance.

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Significant experience working within planning policy, spatial planning, or local plan preparation.
• Demonstrable experience contributing to or leading the delivery of Local Plans and supporting evidence base documents.
• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system, national planning policy, and planning legislation.
• Experience preparing and presenting technical reports, policy documents, and consultation materials.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently to meet deadlines.
• Membership of, or eligibility for membership of, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Experience with Strategic Land Availability Assessments (SLAA), site assessment methodologies, and Infrastructure Delivery Plans.
• Experience supporting Local Plan examinations and public consultations.
• Previous local authority planning policy experience.

• Location: The Forum, Towcester
• Working Arrangement: Hybrid working available, with home working for up to 3 days per week, subject to business needs and meeting requirements