Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer

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Please note that we do not accept CVs. We only accept online applications. Our applications can take up to 2hrs to complete but we have prepared some guidelines to help you with the application as it’s such an important part of the process.

https://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/blogs/2022/how-ace-local-authority-application-form

To apply use the "Apply Online" button below, which will take you to our Applicant Tracking System ('ATS') where, once you have applied, you can log on to your online account at any time to view the status of any of your applications. By using ATS, you can track the progress of your application(s), receive communications by email, select your own interview time online and see whether you have been made a conditional offer.

Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer

Planning Policy & Strategy Team, Planning & Environmental Health

Salary: £45,868 - £59,657 (dependent on skills and experience)

Closing date: 9am Friday 13 February 2026

Interview date: 24 & 26 February 2026

Can you help us shape Elmbridge? Maybe you are thinking it’s time to step up to your next career challenge? Or perhaps you are a committed planning professional needing a new career challenge?

Elmbridge Borough Council is looking for an experienced Planning Policy Officer with excellent research, communication and analytical skills, to deputise for the Local Plan Manager and take a senior role within the Local Plan Team. This is an exciting time to join Elmbridge as we move forwards with a new Local Plan under the new plan making system.

You will be instrumental in all of this; supporting our residents and helping them to understand the role good planning makes in shaping an area.

About you

• You are a dynamic, motivated and organised planning professional with experience of preparing development plan policies and implementing them.
• You must be able to show that you have a sound knowledge and clear understanding of current law, national policy and guidance related to development planning.
• You will have excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate with colleagues, Councillors and the community. Being politically astute will also serve you well.

Ultimately you will have an important role to play in helping us to shape Elmbridge.

Have a look at the other essential criteria in the person specification, but it’s your approach to work that will be your main asset.

An appointment will be made at either Senior or Principal Planning Officer level depending on applicants’ skills and experience.

About us

• Flexibility: We know you have to juggle work and life commitments and we are happy and open to discussing the right mix for you whether its compressed hours or working from home, just give us a call.
• Wellbeing: When you thrive Elmbridge thrives, which is why we have developed a strong and varied wellbeing programme for our employees.
• Learning and development: We all know learning is an ongoing journey and we will support you on that journey by creating a bespoke learning and development plan for you.
• The package: Not forgetting our excellent pension and discounts with various local businesses and free employee parking.

If you would like to talk to us about the role, please give Sarah Pharoah our Planning & Strategy Manager a call on 01372 474827 or email spharoah@elmbridge.gov.uk or Ripple Gupta our Local Plan Manager a call on 01372 474670 or email rgupta@elmbridge.gov.uk.

What are you waiting for