Head of Planning Policy

£58,378 - £65,973 per annum, 37 hours per week (with pay award pending)

We are looking for a new team member to lead the Planning Policy and Corporate Data Team for Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils. South Worcestershire has an ambitious growth agenda with major growth proposals such as Worcestershire Parkway for 10,000 new homes and 50 hectares of employment land, Throckmorton for 5,000 new homes and an exciting brownfield regeneration agenda in key market towns such as Evesham and Droitwich. The South Worcestershire Development Plan Review is at an advanced stage with an ongoing public examination. You will be responsible for leading the plan through to adoption and then commencing a review of the plan to take account of the new housing targets.

This role is one where you can truly make a difference working on the preparation of a major development plan and some of the largest development proposals in the region in a supportive environment and high performing team.

This role will form a key part of the Planning and Infrastructure Management Team and will involve working closely with colleagues across the Council in particular, in the Housing and Legal Services teams.

The role also involves leading on the development and maintenance of key relationships with partners, including Worcester City Council, Homes England, Worcestershire County Council, and neighbouring authorities.

About you

The successful candidate should have:

Degree level education, with a recognised qualification in town planning, as well as full RTPI Membership.
Extensive experience of in the preparation of local plans.
Experience in supporting the preparation of neighbourhood plans
Extensive planning knowledge and experience of setting the policy framework to support the delivery of strategic sites.
Experience of giving evidence at public inquiries and the preparation of evidence for examination
Good computer literacy and be able to use MS Office, property databases and GIS systems.
Outstanding customer care, strong computer skills and a commitment high standards of service delivery.
Excellent presentation and communication skills.
Clear ability to manage own workload and work under pressure.

You will be required to attend regular management team meetings, Executive Board meetings as required, Planning Committee meetings, and public inquiries as required. This role also involves deputising for the Director of Planning and Infrastructure as required.

The role requires undertaking site visits and attending occasional evening meetings so flexibility, a full driving licence and use of a car is essential. You will also need to be able to travel throughout the district.

What we can offer

Our staff are at the heart of what we do, and as a result we are always looking to recruit, develop and retain the very best talent we can find. So, as well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:

Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions
Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leave
Committed training programme and development opportunities
Payment of one professional membership subscription e.g. RTPI
Onsite nursery with 20% staff discount
Discounted Gym and swim membership
Health and Wellbeing support and a Free Employee Assistance scheme including access to counselling services
Cycle to Work scheme
Employee Discounts with a range of companies including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme.

We are an employer that supports agile working and values face to face communication, collaboration and connection, therefore all our roles have an office-based requirement as part of the role.

To discuss the post or for further information, please call Ian Macleod, Director of Planning and Infrastructure on 07823 535035.

Closing date: Sunday 11 May 2025

Interview date: Tuesday 20 May 2025

Please note if we experience a high intake of applications, we may close the role and interview for the position sooner than advertised.

Attached documents
Job Description
Employee Benefits

Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils

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Head of Planning Policy