Planning Policy Team Leader

Planning Policy Team Leader

About Bromley

Bromley Council is committed to making Bromley a fantastic place to live and work, where everyone can lead healthy, safe and independent lives. 

We are London’s largest borough, made up of areas with distinct urban and suburban character, and large areas of Green Belt and open countryside. Our historic environment is a key asset, including 47 conservation areas and over 400 listed buildings. Bromley also plays an important role in the regional economy, particularly the Strategic Industrial Land in the Cray Valley; and Bromley Town Centre, the borough’s most significant retail and leisure location.

This provides the backdrop for the Council’s ongoing Local Plan Review, which has to balance protection of Bromley’s unique character with the need to address requirements for new development, particularly housing and employment uses.

Our newly created Planning Policy Team Leader position offers the opportunity for a motivated, experienced planner to play an integral role in preparing the new Local Plan and developing innovative solutions to tackle the key challenges facing Bromley. 

About the role

In this role, your main responsibility will be progressing the review of the Local Plan, motivating and leading a team of Planning Policy officers to:

• Develop a robust evidence base to inform the drafting of policies in the new plan;

• Ensure all statutory requirements for plan preparation are met; and

• Undertake consultation exercises at various statutory stages.

The role will also include responsibility for a range of other Planning Policy functions including:

• Preparing relevant supplementary guidance to support the implementation of local Planning Policy;

• Providing Planning Policy advice to Development Management officers on planning applications and pre-applications, and acting as an expert witness as part of planning appeals; and

• Responding to changes to national and regional Planning Policy and guidance, including taking a lead role in adapting to the forthcoming changes to the plan-making system that are expected to come into force in late 2024.

The Team Leader post will have line management responsibility for up to six Planning Policy Officers, and will report directly to the Head of Planning Policy and Strategy. The post holder will work closely with colleagues in the Infrastructure Delivery and Conservation & Design teams which also sit within the Planning Policy and Strategy service; and will also work with other departments across the Council including housing and regeneration.

The successful candidate will represent the Planning Policy service at various internal and external meetings, including Council committee meetings; and will also be required to deputise for the Head of Planning Policy and Strategy in relation to Planning Policy matters, as and when required. 

What we offer

This is an MG6 grade role, with a salary range of £45,246 to £67,868. It is a full-time, permanent role, based on a 36 hour working week. The role will initially be based at Bromley Civic Centre (Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH), but will be based at the new Civic Centre (opposite Bromley South station) from late 2024. We offer hybrid working arrangements, with the current expectation that the post holder will be in the office for at least 2 days per week. 

We are committed to achieving equal opportunities in employment and service delivery. We offer a generous package including competitive pay, local government pension scheme, flexible working practices and the Bromley Employee benefits scheme; Cycle2Work, Salary Sacrifice Lease Cars, Technology Scheme and a wide range of unique discounts.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the Bromley Council website via the link below. Your application should address the ‘Essential’ criteria set out in the attached Job Description & Person Specification document. Applicants are also encouraged to set out how they address any relevant ‘Desirable’ criteria. 

The closing date for applications is Sunday 17 March 2024 at 23:59. Interviews will be held in-person at Bromley Civic Centre. Interview dates are TBC, but are likely to take place in early April 2024.

For further information about this post, please contact Ben Johnson, Head of Planning Policy and Strategy, at ben.johnson@bromley.gov.uk