Senior Planning Policy Officer

Are you passionate about shaping the future of our towns and communities? 

We are seeking a proactive and dedicated professional to join our Planning Service team and help deliver high-quality planning services that make a real difference.

We need you to take charge in shaping the future of our community by delivering high-level, expert planning policy guidance and insight to the Council—driving decisions in alignment with Town and Country Planning legislation and beyond.

We also have a two year fixed contract vacancy as well, please specify in your application your preference. 

You can also see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site here: Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council.

In this dynamic role, you will play a vital part in supporting the effective delivery of our planning functions, working positively and flexibly to help achieve the Council’s strategic objectives. You will be at the forefront of providing excellent customer service, engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders—including members of the public, Councillors, and MPs—ensuring every interaction reflects our commitment to responsiveness, professionalism, and care.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the smooth and timely handling of customer enquiries, feedback, and complaints.

• Assisting with the maintenance and analysis of planning data to help meet and exceed performance targets.

• Contributing to the development and implementation of Local and Neighbourhood Plans, Supplementary Planning Documents, and broader planning policy.

• Providing up-to-date research and advice on national and regional planning frameworks, ensuring the Council remains aligned with statutory requirements and best practice.

• Playing a central role in delivering the Council’s place-shaping vision—facilitating the right developments in the right places at the right time.

At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.

Our vision is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services. 

Hear more from our Chief Executive, Anna Earnshaw, about what it's like to work at West Northants Council https://youtu.be/lV0EfeUF4aU  

We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential.  We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner

The following film was created by us to communicate our intentions - watch WNC colleagues explain what DEI means to us.

If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.