Principal Planning Policy Officer

Job profile

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job reference

REQ

Date posted

27/10/2025

Application closing date

10/11/2025

Location

Salary

£47,181 - £48,226

Package

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full time

Attachments

Job description

INTERNAL ONLY

Location: Westmorland Wide

Contract Type: Permanent x2 postions

About this opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Westmorland and Furness Council's Planning Policy team as a Principal Planning Policy Officer, playing a key role in shaping the future growth, development, and sustainability of the area.

The Planning Policy Service develops and maintains the Council's planning policy framework, ensuring that the Local Plan and related documents guide sustainable development, protect the environment, and deliver thriving, inclusive communities. Through evidence-based policies and strong stakeholder engagement, the team ensures that the Council's priorities for housing, infrastructure, climate action, and economic growth are effectively delivered.

As a Principal Planning Policy Officer, you will lead on the preparation, implementation, and review of planning policy documents, including the Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Documents. You'll manage complex projects, oversee evidence gathering, and play a central role in ensuring policies are robust, compliant, and forward-thinking. Acting as a senior technical specialist, you'll support and mentor colleagues while working closely with partners, consultants, and the wider community to influence sustainable place-making across Westmorland and Furness.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning policy professional seeking a role with real strategic impact, contributing to a new Local Plan that will guide the future of one of England's most diverse and dynamic areas.

Who we are looking for…

We're seeking a highly motivated, forward-thinking planner with significant experience in planning policy development and Local Plan preparation.

You'll bring:

• A degree in Town Planning or a related field and ideally chartered RTPI membership (or eligibility).
• A strong understanding of planning legislation, evidence-based policy making, and plan preparation processes.
• Proven experience managing complex or high-profile planning projects.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex planning concepts clearly to varied audiences.
• A collaborative approach, working effectively with colleagues, elected members, stakeholders, and local communities.

If you're passionate about sustainable growth and want to help shape 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. Our benefits | Careers )

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 Gareth Candlin (Assistant Director of Inclusive and Green Growth) via email on to arrange an informal conversation.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 10th November 2025

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Westmorland and Furness Council are now able to offer sponsorship for Skilled Worker Visa applications for eligible roles. Please note, we cannot guarantee the eligibility of all of our roles, therefore, if you would like more information on roles that may be eligible please visit the government website - Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.

Apply online

Send to a friend