Principal Planning Officer (Strategic Planning)

Job: Principal Planning Officer
Location: Southampton
Salary: Negotiable
Contract: 6 months+
Hours: Full time - 37 hours
IR35: Inside
Hybrid: Hybrid/Remote

To deliver high-quality strategic planning services in line with statutory frameworks and council priorities. This includes preparing and updating the City Council's Local Plan, contributing to regional and sub-regional strategies, and supporting planning reforms.

About the role:

• Support the preparation, review, and adoption of the City Council's Local Plan, policies, and supplementary planning documents.
• Work with other planning authorities and stakeholders on regional and strategic issues, including the Minerals and Waste Local Development Framework.
• Define research needs and manage internal or external suppliers to gather planning data.
• Maintain and analyze data on city development, land use, and project completions to inform planning decisions.
• Prepare and present evidence for public inquiries, examinations, and judicial forums.
• Respond to consultations on policies, local plans, and major development proposals relevant to the city.
• Provide policy advice for council projects and planning applications, working with the Development Management team.
• Attend public meetings and consult with stakeholders on planning policies.
• Supervise and guide junior team members in completing tasks as directed.

If you are interested in this role, please contact Josh Draycott on or 01772954200 or with an updated CV.

*Referral Scheme*
If you are not interested in this role but know someone else who might be, don't forget that we offer up to £500 in vouchers if you refer a friend to us and we place them in the job.