Principal Planning Officer - Strategy

Hertsmere Borough Council is seeking enthusiastic and experienced Principal Planning Policy Officers to join our forward-thinking and dynamic Planning Policy Team. If you're passionate about shaping sustainable development, influencing planning policy, and ensuring that our communities thrive, this is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine impact.

The Council is driving forward an ambitious, growth-focussed Local Plan aimed at directing growth to the most sustainable locations, enhancing existing town centres and providing the necessary supporting infrastructure. As a member of the expanding Planning Policy team you will play a leading role in delivering the Local Plan, and you will have the opportunity to be a key part of growth and infrastructure strategies within Hertsmere and across South West Hertfordshire.

About the role(s)

As a Principal Planning Policy Officer, you will play a leading role in the preparation, and implementation of planning policies in the emerging Hertsmere Local Plan. You will contribute directly to the development of the Local Plan alongside other key strategic planning documents by working closely and collaboratively with local stakeholders, external agencies and other teams within the Council.

As well as taking ownership of key areas of planning policy, you will work directly to influence the shape of the Borough’s future growth, making sure that it is in line with national and regional policy while meeting the needs of our residents and businesses. Alongside representing the Council in public inquiries and examinations you will mentor junior staff and provide expert advice to councillors and other departments in the Council.

The team is currently expanding and as such there are a number of roles available at this level, both permanent and on a two-year fixed term basis, with scope for the position to be made permanent. The Council operates a hybrid working system and has a generous benefits package. 

About you

We welcome applications from planners with relevant experience in planning policy and regeneration both from within the public or the private sector.

You will have a Degree in planning or closely related discipline. In addition successful candidates will hold a higher post-graduate qualification accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) with a good track record in planning.

Benefits include:

• 27 – 32 days annual leave (depending on length of Local Gvt Service) - plus all bank holidays
• £1,000 annual retention payment
• Local government pension scheme
• Opportunity to accrue extra work time that can be taken off later as extra leave (up to 2 days per month)
• Free car parking
• Free gym membership
• Cycle schemes
• Free wellbeing benefits (such as lunchtime yoga, flu jabs, health MOT)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Accessible high quality refurbished office environment

The post is offered on a full time basis (36 hours per week). 

For further information or an informal discussion on the details of this opportunity, please contact; George.pavey@hertsmere.gov.uk, Planning Strategy and Implementation Manager

Hertsmere is a dynamic borough located in south-west Hertfordshire just 13 miles from Central London, close to Watford and St. Albans, and within the M25. The Council Offices are situated in Borehamwood, home to the world-famous BBC Elstree and Elstree Studios, the new Sky Studios Elstree, within Zone 6 and with a fast direct rail link (less than 30 mins) to London St. Pancras. 

Closing Date:  Monday 21st April 2025, 10am