Head of Planning Jobs

The Head of Planning is the senior leader responsible for the overall planning service within UK local authorities. They oversee development management, planning policy, regeneration, enforcement, urban design and specialist technical teams. This role ensures the planning service delivers high‑quality outcomes aligned with the council’s strategic objectives for growth, regeneration, infrastructure and sustainable development.

Heads of Planning work closely with councillors, senior officers, developers, community groups and regional bodies. They lead service transformation, manage budgets, set strategic direction and represent the authority at committees, hearings and public meetings.

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Main Responsibilities

• Lead the entire planning service at a strategic level
• Oversee development management, planning policy and regeneration teams
• Set service strategy, priorities and performance targets
• Provide expert advice to councillors, senior leadership and external partners
• Manage budgets, resources and service transformation projects
• Represent the authority at committees, hearings, inquiries and public meetings
• Lead major, complex and politically sensitive planning matters

Typical Employers

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

Salary Range

Head of Planning salaries typically range from £85,000 to £110,000, depending on location, experience and authority type. London and major urban authorities often offer higher salary bands.

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Progression Routes

• Chief Planner
• Director of Planning
• Executive Director of Place

Related Job Titles

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

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