Planning Policy Officer
*Temporary Contract
*Pay: £45–£50 per hour (Up to £55 per hour for highly experienced candidates)
*Location: Stockport
*Job Type: Hybrid (2 days in office, remainder remote)
Join the Place Directorate at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council as a Planning Policy Officer. This role is crucial for providing specialist planning policy advice and supporting the delivery of the Council’s statutory planning functions. It offers an opportunity to contribute to the preparation and monitoring of the Local Plan and associated policy documents, ensuring compliance with both national and local planning legislation.
Day-to-day of the role:
*Contribute to the preparation, monitoring, and review of the Council’s planning policies, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
*Provide expert advice on planning policy matters to colleagues, elected members, developers, and the public.
*Represent the Council’s spatial planning interests in statutory plan-making processes, including at Examination in Public.
*Monitor and interpret changes in planning legislation, regulations, and guidance at national and regional levels.
*Support Development Management by providing policy input on major planning applications and pre-application discussions.
*Assist in project support tasks for the Local Plan.
*Prepare and deliver reports, briefing notes, and responses to consultations on planning policy issues.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
*Minimum 6–8 years of experience in planning policy within a local authority or consultancy environment.
*Strong understanding of UK planning legislation, policy frameworks, and Local Plan processes.
*Proficient in analysing complex planning issues and providing clear, evidence-based advice.
*Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
*Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
Desirable:
*Experience with Green Belt and open space policy issues.
*Familiarity with Examination in Public procedures.
*Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
Benefits:
*Competitive hourly rate with potential for increase based on experience.
*Flexible hybrid working arrangement.
*Opportunity to work on significant planning policy projects within a supportive team environment.