The Local Plan Manager is a senior planning policy role within UK local authorities. They lead the preparation, review and delivery of the Local Plan, ensuring it meets legal requirements, reflects evidence‑based research and aligns with the council’s strategic objectives for growth, regeneration, housing and infrastructure.
Local Plan Managers oversee project teams, manage consultants, coordinate public consultations and represent the authority at examinations and hearings. They play a central role in shaping how towns, cities and rural areas evolve over the long term.
Main Responsibilities
Lead the preparation, review and delivery of the Local Plan
Manage evidence‑based studies on housing, employment, transport and infrastructure
Coordinate public consultations, stakeholder engagement and statutory processes
Draft complex policy wording and oversee responses to representations
Represent the authority at examinations, hearings and regional planning forums
Manage project teams, consultants and budgets
Provide expert advice to councillors, senior officers and external partners
Typical Employers
Local authorities
Combined authorities
GLA, OPDC, LLDC and public sector planning bodies
Regional planning organisations
Salary Range
Local Plan Manager salaries typically range from £55,000 to £70,000, depending on location and experience.