Principal Planning Policy Officer (Hybrid Working Available)

At Rushmoor Borough Council, they may be small, but
they are ambitious — and this is a genuinely exciting time to join.

Significant regeneration and development is underway across Aldershot
and Farnborough, with major projects such as the Galleries redevelopment, Farnborough Civic Quarter proposals, and a large -scale commercial
masterplan set to transform the area.

Alongside this, the Council is delivering high -profile
schemes including a new leisure centre, determining complex applications
such as those at Farnborough Airport, and—crucially—embarking on the
preparation of a brand new Local Plan.

With the timetable now published, the programme is moving at
pace: notice will be served in May, initial consultation will take place in
June 2026, Gateway 1 is targeted for September, and a second consultation is
planned for early 2027. This represents a rare opportunity to get involved
at the very start of the process and play a central role in shaping the
borough’s long -term strategy for growth.

All of this sits at the heart of the Council’s vision to
deliver sustainable, high -quality, and well -designed development across
the borough — making this an exceptional time to join as a Principal
Planning Officer (Policy).

The Role

This is a key position within the planning team, offering
the opportunity to lead on strategic planning policy and Local Plan
preparation at a critical time.

You will take responsibility for driving forward planning
policy work, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring the delivery of a robust
and forward -thinking planning framework.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading
  the preparation and review of the Local Plan and strategic planning
  policy documents
  
• Managing
  and commissioning evidence base studies
  
• Driving
  engagement with members, communities, developers and key stakeholders
  
• Representing
  the Council at Examinations in Public, appeals and inquiries
  
• Preparing
  and presenting reports to Cabinet, Council and senior leadership
  
• Managing
  consultation exercises and ensuring statutory compliance
  
• Working
  collaboratively with neighbouring authorities and partner organisations
  
• Supporting
  and deputising for the Planning Policy Service Manager
  
• Managing
  and mentoring junior members of the team
  

About You

We are looking for an experienced and motivated planning
professional who can operate at a senior level and take ownership of complex
policy work.

You will have:

• A degree
  in Town Planning or related discipline
  
• MRTPI
  Chartered status (or eligibility)
  
• Proven
  experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation
  
• Strong
  knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy frameworks
  
• Experience
  within a local authority planning environment
  
• Excellent
  communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills
  
• Strong
  organisational and project management ability
  
• Experience
  managing or mentoring staff (desirable)
  

You will be a confident and proactive individual, capable of
influencing outcomes and driving forward key planning initiatives.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive
  salary plus £2,400 allowance
  
• Flexible
  and hybrid working
  
• The
  opportunity to lead on high -profile Local Plan and regeneration work
  
• A
  supportive and forward -thinking team environment
  
• The
  chance to play a key role in shaping the future growth of the borough
  
• Ongoing
  professional development and career progression
  

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role in shaping
the planning policy of a borough undergoing significant transformation and
growth.

If you’re looking to step into a role where you can make a
genuine impact and influence the future of places — this is it.

Apply

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact: