We are currently seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Policy Planner to join the Planning Policy (Local Development Plan) Team within the Environment & Regeneration Directorate.

This is a key professional role, leading on the development, monitoring and review of the Local Development Plan (LDP) and associated evidence base. You will play a central part in shaping planning policy that supports sustainable development, economic growth and placemaking across Neath Port Talbot.

As a Senior Policy Planner, you will undertake complex policy work, research and stakeholder engagement, providing expert planning advice to colleagues, elected Members, partners and the public, and representing the authority at Examinations in Public and planning appeals.

Your daily routine will include:

• Preparing, monitoring and reviewing the Local Development Plan
• Developing non‑statutory planning policy, supplementary planning guidance and supporting documents
• Maintaining and updating the LDP evidence base, including research, surveys, data analysis and consultation
• Preparing and presenting evidence at Examinations in Public and planning appeals
• Providing expert planning policy advice to officers, Members, partners and the public
• Leading on specific topic areas within planning policy under the guidance of the Team Leader

You will also contribute to regional and sub‑regional planning initiatives and deputise for the Planning Policy Team Leader when required.

About you:

Do you have:

• Significant experience in Planning Policy, including evidence‑based strategy and policy development
• Experience of delivering public engagement and consultation programmes
• A strong understanding of planning legislation, national and regional policy
• Experience of providing evidence at Examinations in Public and planning appeals
• The ability to manage complex work programmes, meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively

You will hold:

• A planning qualification to RTPI standard, or equivalent Planning Policy experience

About us:

We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.

Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.

• Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
• Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution
• Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
• Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
• Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
• Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.

(This role operates on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.)

For an informal discussion  please contact Lana Beynon on 01639 686314

Email:   [email protected]

You can apply via the NPT Council jobs page www.npt.gov.uk/jobs

Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.

The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.

Welsh language skills are desirable.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans.  In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council.  Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview.  If you are  or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you.  Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.

We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.

We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.