Section
Planning Policy
Location
Town Hall
Salary
£49,282 to £50,269 per annum
Post Type
Full Time
Contract Type
Permanent
Closing Date
23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 22 February 2026
Reference
DECR02009
Principal Planning Officer (Planning Policy)
Full Time, 37 hours per week
Salary: £49,282 - £50,269 per annum
Development and Housing Directorate. Preston is at an unprecedented stage in its development. With over £20m of Towns Fund grant and a further £20m Levelling Up Fund grant, with major leisure and public realm projects underway, a new commercial quarter planned at Preston station and the ongoing implementation of the multi-award-winning City Living Strategy alongside the delivery of thousands of new homes and major infrastructure investment and delivery through the City Deal, Preston has developed a new confidence for positive change.
The Council is in the process of reviewing its Development Plan, working in partnership with South Ribble and Chorley Council’s on a single spatial strategy for Central Lancashire. This is an exciting role to join our team as the Principal Planner within the Planning Policy team, at the heart of major transformation of the city.
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Town Planning professional and you must have a recognised qualification in Planning and hold full Membership of the RTPI.
You will be delivering and implementing the new local plan alongside updating our City Centre Plan, as well providing professional expert advice for the Council, creating and applying planning policy and best practice and delivering successful planning outcomes. You will also support our communities in developing their Neighbourhood Plans.
You will support the Planning Policy Manager in overseeing the work of team, including supervising, coaching and mentoring officers to help them develop in their roles.
As an employer we like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of employee benefits including flexi time, hybrid working, a minimum of 30 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holidays), family friendly policies, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme, AVC’s, life assurance scheme, discounted parking, cycle to work scheme and discounted bus and rail fares.
International Sponsorship – this role is not open to International Sponsorship.