Senior Planning Policy Officer
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Location: Area Wide
Contract Type: x3 permanent positions
About this opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity to join Westmorland and Furness Council’s Planning Policy Service as a Senior Planning Policy Officer, helping to shape the sustainable growth and development of our area.
The Planning Policy Service is responsible for preparing and maintaining the Council’s planning policy framework, including the Local Plan, which guides sustainable growth, housing, infrastructure, and environmental management. The team works collaboratively across the Council and with communities, developers, and partners to ensure policies reflect both local priorities and national planning objectives.
You will be joining the Council at an important time to help prepare the first Local Plan (and its evidence base) for Westmorland and Furness in line with the requirements of the new planning system and will be part of a team of over 20 professionals. As a Senior Planning Policy Officer, you’ll play a key role in developing, delivering, and monitoring planning policies that promote sustainable and inclusive development. You’ll manage your own projects, contribute to the evidence base that underpins policy decisions, and engage with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll also support and mentor junior colleagues while helping to ensure that our planning policy remains responsive, effective, and ambitious for the communities we serve.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner looking to develop their career in a forward-thinking, customer-focused authority.
Who we are looking for…
We’re seeking a motivated, experienced and highly skilled policy who is ready to hit the ground running to help prepare the new Local Plan in an ambitious timescale. Experience of neighbourhood planning would be desirable but is not essential.
You’ll bring:
- A degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, or a related discipline.
- Ideally, membership (or eligibility) of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Experience in the preparation, monitoring, and implementation of planning policy.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex evidence and deliver high-quality outputs.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to engage confidently with colleagues, elected members, and the public.
If you’re passionate about creating sustainable, well-designed places and want to make a real difference to the future of Westmorland and Furness, we’d love to hear from you.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you like to find out more?
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Helen Houston, Planning Policy Service Manager Helen.Houston@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 16/03/2026
Interview date: 23/03/2026