Principal Planning Policy Officer

Posted 13 January 2026
Salary £55 - 60 per hour
LocationEssex
Job type Contract - Full Time
Job duration6 Months
Discipline Town Planning
Reference63407

Job description

Carrington West are assisting their local authority client based in Essex in their search for a Principal Planning Policy Officer to join their Town Planning department.
 
This is a 6-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.
 
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.
 
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
 
Our client is willing to offer a flexible working situation, with an expectation of on-site and office presence weekly or fortnightly.
 
Interviews are due to take place imminently, if this post is of interest, please do get in touch at your earliest convenience to discuss.
 
It would be beneficial to have a relevant degree or equivalent qualification in town planning and be a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
 
Carrington West Pay Rate - £60per/hour (Dependant on the experience)
Job Ref - 63407
 
Please call Cameron de Wit on 02393 876014 for a confidential discussion on this role, or email myself or our planning team if you are short of time to chat:
cameron.dewit@carringtonwest.com
planning@carringtonwest.com
 
Carrington West's dedicated Town Planning Recruitment Team supply clients UK wide on both a permanent and contract basis and all levels of seniority. If this role is too senior, too junior or in a location that is unsuitable, but you are keen on options, please still feel free to apply and we can discuss other, often unadvertised roles with you.