Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planning Officer

Castle Point Borough Council

Temporary, Full Time

£55.00 ph umbrella

Location: Castle Point

Closing Date: 25th August 2025

Why Castle Point? Castle Point Borough Council is a statutory body responsible for employing nearly 350 staff, and delivering over 150 council services, both statutory and for the community's well-being and benefit. Castle Point Borough Council aims to provide high-quality and financially sustainable services while prioritising outstanding customer service, transparency in decision-making, and promoting local democracy. Additionally, the council seeks to transform, modernize, and improve its performance, as well as support and enable the communities within its jurisdiction to be strong, healthy, and thriving.

Our values: Trust, Respect, Improving and Learning, and Customer Focus

The Opportunity

This is a 3-month temporary opportunity for a Principal Planning Officer who has experience in plan-making, good planning policy knowledge and who is available to start date on short notice. Please note this role is offered on a hybrid working basis with an expectation of 2 days in the office every week.

Accountabilities

• Undertaking complex work in relation to the preparation of the Castle Point Plan including:
• Reviewing and interpreting complex evidence base documents and formulating policies that respond to the outcomes of that evidence.
• Undertaking analysis of data and information to create evidence to support plan making and decision taking. This includes statutory reporting.
• Advising members of the options and challenges they need to address through the Castle Point Plan and incorporating their feedback into policies.
• Drafting of policies and their justification.
• Drafting planning guidance.
• Reviewing engagement outcomes and adjusting policies to reflect those outcomes.
• Presenting evidence in writing and in person in respect of the plan. This includes appearing at the EiP for the Plan.
• Coaching junior members of the team.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute
• Degree level relevant qualification
• Knowledge and understanding of planning legislation and regulations with reference to local government and district councils
• Previous experience of producing Local Plans
• Strong organisation and communication skills

Castle Point Borough Council is proud to be a disability confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.

Castle Point Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email louise.butler@essex.gov.uk