Principal Planning Officer - AR

Principal Planning Officer (Local Plan - Site Allocations)

Swale Borough Council is working to an ambitious timetable to submit its Local Plan this December and is seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer (Policy) to take a leading role in progressing the plan to submission.

Role overview

You will lead on the preparation and drafting of site allocation policies for selected housing and employment sites within the emerging Local Plan. You will also support the review and refinement of strategic policies and contribute to the preparation of supporting documents required for the Regulation 19 consultation stage.

This is a key role in ensuring that allocation policies are robust, evidence-based, and suitable for submission and subsequent examination.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the drafting of site allocation policies for housing and employment sites
• Review and contribute to strategic Local Plan policies
• Prepare and support documentation for the Regulation 19 Local Plan consultation
• Ensure policies are sound, deliverable, and evidence-based
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Place Services and other Council departments
• Support preparation for Local Plan examination where required
• Undertake site visits to inform policy development

Essential requirements

• Significant experience in planning policy / Local Plan preparation
• Proven track record of drafting site allocation policies (examples required)
• Experience taking a Local Plan through Regulation 19 and examination
• Strong understanding of the Local Plan process and planning policy framework
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Full UK driving licence (site visits required)

Working arrangement

Hybrid working is available, ideally 2 days per week in Swale House with the remainder remote, though flexibility to reduce office presence may be considered for the right candidate.