Senior Planning Policy Officer Location: Eastleigh House, Upper Market St, Eastleigh SO50 9YN Contract: Full-time, fixed term for 12 months (maternity cover) | 37 hours, 5 days per week Salary: £44,717 per annum (FTE) Do you want to make a difference? Eastleigh Borough Council is committed to supporting communities and improving lives. Our success in doing so was recognised when we were named Council of the Year 2022 by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE). As a District Council that punches above its weight, Eastleigh Borough Council is building a new community in Horton Heath, developing innovative green energy schemes and investing at a time when other Councils are contracting. Eastleigh Borough Council is a place with real energy where there is an opportunity to make a real difference. The role This is a career band role that has been created to help us review our Local Plan from its early stages, and the development of supporting policies and documents, building on our successful planning policy partnership with Southampton City Council. This is an exciting opportunity to progress your career. The planning issues across both Councils are significant and varied, and include planning for new homes, environmental protection/enhancement, urban regeneration, transport, infrastructure delivery, etc. This post is appointed on a career band from Band 8 to Band 10. The starting band will be determined by the successful candidate’s skills and experience. There’s also an opportunity for progression within the appointed career band through our People Performance Framework. The post holder will need to work with colleagues both internally and in other councils as part of our strategic work with the Partnership for South Hampshire, as well as with Councillors, Parish Councils, stakeholders, and our wider communities. We are looking for someone who has planning qualifications (eligible for the RTPI), with experience in the development of planning policy and supporting evidence, to join our team, providing maternity cover. The fixed-term contract is expected to last 12 months. Our benefits include: Local Government pension scheme (defined benefits scheme) 26-29 days annual leave (dependent on Local Government service) Hybrid working with the ability to work from office and home, and the ability to accrue up to 2 days additional flexi-leave per month (subject to operational requirements – pro rata for part-time staff) Defined Benefit Pension Scheme Places Leisure, Eastleigh – 30% off Full Membership Confidential Employee Advice and Support Programme Excellent town centre working environment close to public transport links Discounted parking If you would like an informal discussion about the post, please contact graham.tuck@eastleigh.gov.uk to arrange a mutually convenient time. Please include your CV and a supporting statement with your application. For more information about this opportunity and to apply, please visit our dedicated recruitment site via the ‘Apply’ button. Closing date: 13 May 2026. Interview date: 8 June 2026.