Senior Planning Policy Officer Jobs

A Senior Planning Policy Officer is an experienced policy professional within UK local authorities. They lead on preparing Local Plans, evidence‑based studies, strategic planning documents and public consultations. Senior Officers play a key role in shaping long‑term growth, regeneration, housing delivery, environmental protection and infrastructure planning.

This role involves detailed research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement and drafting policy documents that influence how towns, cities and rural areas evolve. Senior Planning Policy Officers often act as project leads for major policy workstreams.

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Main Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of Local Plans, SPDs and strategic planning documents
• Manage evidence‑based studies on housing, employment, transport and infrastructure
• Analyse data, trends and planning constraints
• Coordinate public consultations and stakeholder engagement
• Draft policy wording and support examination processes
• Provide expert advice to councillors, senior officers and development management teams

Typical Employers

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

Salary Range

Senior Planning Policy Officer salaries typically range from £40,000 to £55,000, depending on location and experience.

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Progression Routes

• Principal Planning Policy Officer
• Local Plan Manager
• Strategic Planner

Related Job Titles

• Planning Policy Officer
• Principal Planning Policy Officer
• Local Plan Manager
• Strategic Planner

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