Principal Planning Officer (Policy)

Principal Planning Officer (Policy)

Location: Farnborough (Hybrid Working Available)

Salary: £48,256 - £55,596 + £2,400 allowance

Full Time Permanent

At Rushmoor Borough Council, they may be small, but they are ambitious - and this is a genuinely exciting time to join.

Significant regeneration and development is underway across Aldershot and Farnborough, with major projects such as the Galleries redevelopment, Farnborough Civic Quarter proposals, and a large-scale commercial masterplan set to transform the area.

Alongside this, the Council is delivering high profile schemes including a new leisure centre, determining complex applications such as those at Farnborough Airport, and-crucially-embarking on the preparation of a brand new Local Plan.

With the timetable now published, the programme is moving at pace: notice will be served in May, initial consultation will take place in June 2026, Gateway 1 is targeted for September, and a second consultation is planned for early 2027. This represents a rare opportunity to get involved at the very start of the process and play a central role in shaping the borough's long term strategy for growth.

All of this sits at the heart of the Council's vision to deliver sustainable, high quality, and well designed development across the borough- making this an exceptional time to join as a Principal Planning Officer (Policy).

The Role

This is a key position within the planning team, offering the opportunity to lead on strategic planning policy and Local Plan preparation at a critical time.

You will take responsibility for driving forward planning policy work, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring the delivery of a robust and forward thinking planning framework.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the preparation and review of the Local Plan and strategic planning policy documents
• Managing and commissioning evidence base studies
• Driving engagement with members, communities, developers and key stakeholders
• Representing the Council at Examinations in Public, appeals and inquiries
• Preparing and presenting reports to Cabinet, Council and senior leadership
• Managing consultation exercises and ensuring statutory compliance
• Working collaboratively with neighbouring authorities and partner organisations
• Supporting and deputising for the Planning Policy Service Manager
• Managing and mentoring junior members of the team

About You

We are looking for an experienced and motivated planning professional who can operate at a senior level and take ownership of complex policy work.

You will have:

• A degree in Town Planning or related discipline
• MRTPI Chartered status (or eligibility)
• Proven experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation
• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy frameworks
• Experience within a local authority planning environment
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong organisational and project management ability
• Experience managing or mentoring staff (desirable)

You will be a confident and proactive individual, capable of influencing outcomes and driving forward key planning initiatives.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary plus £2,400 allowance
• Flexible and hybrid working
• The opportunity to lead on high profile Local Plan and regeneration work
• A supportive and forward thinking team environment
• The chance to play a key role in shaping the future growth of the borough
• Ongoing professional development and career progression

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the planning policy of a borough undergoing significant transformation and growth.

If you're looking to step into a role where you can make a genuine impact and influence the future of places - this is it.

Apply

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact:

Rob Hanks
Futuregen Recruitment
Email:
Mobile: