Chief Planner Jobs

The Chief Planner is the most senior professional planning role within many UK local authorities. They provide strategic leadership across the entire planning service, including development management, planning policy, regeneration, enforcement, urban design and specialist technical teams. Chief Planners shape long‑term growth strategies, oversee major development programmes and ensure planning decisions align with corporate objectives.

This role involves high‑level collaboration with councillors, senior officers, developers, regional bodies and government agencies. Chief Planners often represent the authority at public inquiries, examinations, strategic boards and regional planning forums.

---

Main Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the whole planning service
• Set long‑term planning strategy and corporate priorities
• Oversee development management, policy, regeneration and specialist teams
• Lead major, complex and politically sensitive planning matters
• Advise councillors, senior leadership and external partners
• Manage budgets, resources and service transformation programmes
• Represent the authority at inquiries, examinations and regional boards

Typical Employers

• Local authorities
• Combined authorities
• GLA, OPDC, LLDC and public sector planning bodies
• Public sector regeneration organisations

Salary Range

Chief Planner salaries typically range from £95,000 to £125,000, depending on location, experience and authority type. London and major urban authorities often offer higher salary bands.

---

Progression Routes

• Director of Planning
• Executive Director of Place
• Chief Executive (rare but possible)

Related Job Titles

• Head of Planning
• Head of Development Management
• Planning Policy Manager
• Regeneration Manager

See all planning jobs
https://www.planningjobs.com/