Job reference REQ00000019039 Date posted 15/10/2025 Application closing date 29/10/2025 Location Various Locations Salary £56,883 - £59,198 Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Attachments Blank
Job description
InternalOnly
Location: Penrith, Kendal orBarrow-in-Furness
Contract Type: Permanent
About thisopportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for anexperienced and motivated Planning Policy Lead to play a key rolein shaping the future growth and development of Westmorland andFurness.
The Planning Policy Service is central tothe delivery of the Council’s ambitions for sustainable,inclusive, and resilient communities. The team is responsible fordeveloping and maintaining the Council’s planning policyframework including the Local Plan, supplementary planningdocuments, and other Policy documents, ensuring that policiesreflect the Council’s priorities for housing, economic growth,environmental protection, and infrastructure delivery.
As Planning Policy Lead, you will overseethe day-to-day delivery of the planning policy function, managinga team of Principal, Senior, and Planning Policy Officers. Youwill lead the preparation of key components of the Local Plan,ensuring all policy outputs are legally compliant,evidence-based, and aligned with both national legislation andlocal priorities.
This is a pivotal leadership role withinthe service, offering the opportunity to influence long-termstrategy, oversee high-profile planning projects, and help guidethe sustainable development of the area. Working collaborativelywith colleagues, partners, and communities, you’ll ensure thatplanning policy supports inclusive growth and responds to thechallenges of climate change, housing delivery, and environmentalresilience.
Key priorities include:
* Leading key elements of the preparationof the Local Plan and related policy documents.
* Managing and mentoring a team of policyofficers to ensure excellence in delivery and continuousimprovement.
* Overseeing the development of the evidence base and preparation of monitoring reports.
* Coordinating consultation and engagementactivities with residents, developers, and keystakeholders.
* Supporting Local Plan examination andadoption processes.
* Ensuring policy alignment with corporatestrategies and national planning reforms.
This is a fantastic opportunity for askilled planning professional who thrives on managing complexprojects, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and helping shapeplaces that work for people and the planet.
Who we arelooking for…
We are seeking a proactive and experiencedplanning policy professional with a passion for place-making anda track record of leading policy development in a localauthority. You will bring strong leadership, project management,and analytical skills, combined with a collaborative approach anda commitment to quality and innovation.
You will hold chartered membership of theRoyal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or be eligible forchartered status, and have a degree in Town Planning, UrbanPlanning, or a related discipline.
You will also demonstrate:
* Significant experience in planningpolicy, including leadership of complex plan-makingprojects.
* Strong management and mentoring skills,with experience in developing and motivating teams.
* A sound understanding of planninglegislation, national policy, and the Local Plan process.
* Excellent written and verbalcommunication skills, with experience preparing reports, policydocuments, and consultation materials.
* The ability to engage effectively withinternal and external stakeholders, including elected members,developers, and community groups.
* Strong project planning and workloadmanagement skills, with the ability to balance competingpriorities.
* A strategic mindset with the flexibilityto adapt to changing legislative or political contexts.
If you are ready to take the next step inyour planning career and lead a talented team delivering policiesthat shape the future of Westmorland and Furness, we would loveto hear from you!
What can weoffer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitivepension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other variousperks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, pleasevisit our Careers site.Our benefits | Careers(westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you liketo find out more?
For further information about this role,such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view thebelow attachments:
* Post Specification
* Role Profile
If you have any queries about this role orwould like an informal chat about this opportunity, then pleasecontact Gareth Candlin (Assistant Director of Inclusive and GreenGrowth) via email on gareth.candlin@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk to arrange an informal conversation.
Application andInterview information
Closing date: 29th October 2025
We are currently operating both in-personand virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidatesonce they have been invited to the interview stage of the processfor this specific position, and if you have any concerns oradjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this withyou.
Westmorland and Furness Council are nowable to offer sponsorship for Skilled Worker Visa applicationsfor eligible roles. Please note, we cannot guarantee theeligibility of all of our roles, therefore, if you would likemore information on roles that may be eligible please visit thegovernment website - Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes -GOV.UK .
Equality,Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council iscommitted to improving the diversity of its workforce to betterreflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications fromeveryone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culturethat values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabledapplicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, areguaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews toArmed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or careexperienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been lookedafter by a local authority at any point, for any length of time,e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship ofa local authority) that meet the essential criteria for therole.
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