Principal Planning Policy Officer

Planning and Economic Growth is dedicated to leading the sustainable development of our city, enabling it to deliver sustainable growth and meet present and future needs whilst improving its environment and everyone’s quality of life.

Your new role

As a Principal Planning Officer, you will play a lead role in shaping Portsmouth’s future by driving the preparation of the new Local Plan, which will guide development across the city for the next fifteen years. You will lead on key aspects of the preparation, monitoring and review of the Local Plan and other development plan documents. You will lead on research and analysis to support the preparation of the Local Plan as well as responding to planning legislation and guidance. Working directly with the Head of Planning Policy, you will take ownership of complex policy issues that influence the city’s social, economic and environmental priorities.

The role involves representing the Council at planning meetings and providing evidence and written representations for public examinations. You will work collaboratively with colleagues, elected Members, neighbouring authorities and other stakeholders. You will also support and mentor junior planning staff, contribute to cross‑departmental work, and demonstrate flexibility in supporting wider planning functions when required.

Who is the person summary:

You will be an experienced planning professional with a Masters degree in Town and Country Planning (or equivalent), MRTPI membership, and substantial experience in planning policy. You’ll bring strong research and analytical skills, a solid understanding of planning legislation and procedures, and the ability to clearly summarise and present complex information. Experience in community engagement and working on issues critical to city planning is essential.

You will also be an effective communicator and team player, capable of building partnerships and contributing positively to a collaborative working environment. Strong project management, organisational skills, and the ability to manage your own workload are key. If you have a commitment to maintaining up‑to‑date professional knowledge and supporting the development of others then we would love to hear from you.

For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.

To find out more about us and what we do see our microsite: Join our planning team - Careers portal

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.

Additional Information

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Lucy Howard, Head of Planning Policy on 07393 804702

Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office minimum 2 days a week (pro rata for part time), this remains flexible, depending on the role and subject to business needs.

Interview date : Tuesday 12th May 2026

Our recruitment process

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page:Support for applicants - Careers portal

You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person'points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had.If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be shortlisted.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found atEquality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage:Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council