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Head of Planning Policy & New Communities

Saffron Walden, East Anglia
UTTLESFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL

Head of Planning Policy & New Communities 
Full time 
Grade 12 £62,475 - £66,096

Location: Hybrid working including WFH; London Road, Saffron Walden; Little Canfield Business Park OR such other place of employment in the service of Uttlesford District Council as required.

Uttlesford is a unique district, with Saffron Walden voted the country’s "Best Place to Live 2025”. It is also home to the expanding London Stansted Airport, and picture-postcard market towns and villages. Our Planning Service has experienced a significant transformation over the past two years. Our Development Management and Building Control Teams are thriving, high-performing, and fully staffed. We have just taken our local plan through examination and expect to adopt it in early 2026. This is your chance to contribute to the continued success of the Planning Service, our emerging policy framework, and the future of the district itself.

We need an experienced planner to lead our Local Plans, Planning Specialists, and Economic Development teams. You’ll drive key policy documents including CIL, new Development Plan Documents, and refreshed planning guidance, while supporting parish neighbourhood plans.

This is a high-profile role working with partners across Essex. We’re looking for a proactive leader and great communicator, confident deputising at Director level, and passionate about developing others.


Career Grade Planner (Policy)
Full time 
Grade 5-7 £31,537 - £41,771

If you are a graduate who wants to kickstart your planning career in our high-performing Local Plans Team, gain hands-on experience in policy, neighbourhood planning, and a wide range of planning functions, with full support towards RTPI accreditation, then this role is for you.

We’re looking for a motivated graduate with strong communication, organisational skills, and a good grasp of planning policy. This is your chance to take real responsibility, grow professionally, and help shape the future of our district.


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Job Details

  • Employer

    Uttlesford District Council

  • Location

    Saffron Walden, East Anglia

  • Salary

    £62475 - £66096

  • Contract Type

    Full time

  • Reference

    PJCOM2672

  • Function

    Town Planning

  • Sector

    Local Authority

  • Specialism

    Policy