Location
Civic Centre, Stoke-on-Trent

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£49,817 per annum

About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Stoke-on-Trent City Council within the Planning Department for the role of Senior Planning Officer (Policy). You will be responsible for preparing and managing the production of evidence-based documents, developing the Local Plan and supporting documents, acting as an expert witness at public examinations and hearing sessions, and providing specialist advice on planning applications. Additionally, you will support the delivery of corporate projects that contribute to the city’s regeneration and development objectives.

Key duties include providing expert professional advice on spatial planning policy, legislation and guidance to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and corporate objectives; supporting the preparation, review and implementation of key planning documents such as the Local Plan, Supplementary Planning Documents, Local Development Orders, Planning Briefs, Neighbourhood Plans and Local Transport Plans; and delivering specialist planning expertise to support sustainable regeneration initiatives and strategic area-based programmes.

You will advise senior council officers, elected members and key stakeholders on planning policy implications relating to major investment, development and regeneration opportunities. The role requires proactive collaboration with developers, partner organisations and internal stakeholders to help deliver the vision and objectives of the Statutory Development Plan and other strategic planning and regeneration programmes. You will also commission, undertake and contribute to research, monitoring and evidence-based studies to inform planning policy development and support wider corporate regeneration projects.

Experience
Demonstrable experience and specialist expertise in the production of planning policy documents and the delivery of specialised policy advice. Proven ability to manage and deliver work to demanding timescales.

About you
Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including Heritage, Housing, Economic and Environmental Teams to integrate diverse ideas and needs. Strong people skills are essential alongside technical knowledge, as town planning requires well-rounded abilities. You should be motivated by contributing to sustainable development and regeneration initiatives.

Qualifications
Must hold a RTPI recognised degree in Town Planning or equivalent qualification. Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation and best practice is required.