Principal Planning Policy Officer (Interim)

Location: Hampshire (Hybrid Working)

Flexible hybrid working but attendance in office on a Tuesday is mandatory.

Contract: 12-month contract

Hours: 37 hours per week

Skills

Planning Policy, Local Plans, MRTPI, Town Planning, Biodiversity, Transport Planning, Planning Appeals, Development Plans, Public Consultation, Policy Examination

An experienced Principal Planning Policy Officer is required to play a key role in the examination of a newly submitted Local Plan. This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded and friendly planning policy team at a pivotal stage in the authority’s development strategy.

The Local Plan was submitted for examination in March 2026, and the successful candidate will lead on key areas of the examination process, particularly around Biodiversity and Transport.

The Role

Working directly with the Head of Planning Policy, you will take a lead role in supporting the Local Plan examination process, including hearing sessions, evidence preparation, and stakeholder engagement.

You will also contribute towards wider planning policy workstreams and support junior colleagues within the team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading on key aspects of the Local Plan examination process
• Preparing evidence, written representations and policy responses
• Supporting and attending examination hearings
• Undertaking planning policy research and analysis
• Responding to planning legislation and policy consultations
• Liaising with internal departments, elected members and external stakeholders
• Supporting public consultation exercises
• Mentoring and guiding junior planning officers

About You

The client is looking for a highly experienced planning professional with:

• MRTPI membership
• Significant planning policy experience
• Previous Local Plan examination experience
• Strong understanding of at least two of the following:
• Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure
• Habitat Regulations Assessment
• Climate Change
• Transport and Air Quality
• Infrastructure Delivery Plans
• Town Centres and Retail
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong analytical and project management abilities

Working Arrangements

• Flexible hybrid working available
• Attendance in the office every Tuesday is mandatory
• Friendly and supportive planning policy team environment

This is an excellent opportunity to join an organisation at a critical stage in its Local Plan journey and make a meaningful contribution to future strategic development.

To apply or discuss the role further, please get in touch.

Should your application be successful, you will be contacted shortly. We appreciate your interest in this role. E Personnel Recruitment aims to acknowledge all applications; however, due to the high volume of CVs we receive, this may not always be possible. Please note that the job title and description in this advertisement may differ slightly from the client’s official job description and contract documentation.

You can apply with complete confidence through E Personnel Recruitment, specialists in both Permanent and Temporary recruitment and a proud member of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), the professional body for the recruitment industry.

E Personnel Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. We are committed to equal opportunity and diversity. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.