Principal Planning Officer – Plan Making
Role Purpose
The purpose of this role is to support the Manager and team in ensuring the continuous improvement of the Plan Making Team in its aim to create a positive policy framework to manage and shape growth in the borough. This includes leading on and contributing to the review, adoption, embedding and monitoring of the Council’s Local Plan and other planning policy documents, including supplementary planning guidance, Article 4 directions, and neighbourhood planning, annual monitoring report and five year housing supply; while providing quality advice on planning policy matters to internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities for this role include the review, implementation and monitoring of a Local Plan including supporting internal colleagues and external stakeholders in its implementation, as well as positively influencing and responding to changes in the planning system on behalf of the Council. You will directly report to and support the Plan Making Manager and oversee officers on a wide range of plan making projects, as well as independently project managing and/or holding key responsibilities on high profile plan making projects and initiatives, which will achieve positive benefits for the borough’s communities. You will be required to communicate effectively and confidently with internal and external colleagues, and engage with senior officers of the Council and Members, and Tower Hamlets communities, as and when required.
Requirements
This post will require eligibility for chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or relevant post graduate degree.
Additional Information
You will need to demonstrate experience in spatial planning and policy making, and a proven ability to support or lead on high profile plan making documents and initiatives and establishing strong partnerships within and outside the Council. The Council is approaching Examination in Public of its new Local Plan. The successful candidate will be ambitious, motivated and ready to manage challenging strategic projects.
Please note, interviews will take place in person during week commencing 15 December 2025.
Benefits
Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.
Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.
As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.
At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.