It’s time to join West Lancs as we embark on delivering our new and ambitious Vision and Priorities.  With a focus on environmental sustainability, generating economic prosperity, building inclusive & healthy communities and financial resilience, we are looking for exceptional candidates to help shape our future. You will be joining an organisation that puts its customers first, takes responsibility and works together with a can-do attitude, all while challenging the status quo to deliver exceptional outcomes for our communities. 

About you!

As a Senior Planning Officer, you will play a key role in the preparation of the Council's new Local Plan, including evidence base preparation, site assessments, policy drafting, and consultation exercises. You will undertake research and analysis, prepare policy documents, commission and manage technical studies and contribute to the development of a robust evidence base.

Working with colleagues, elected members, stakeholders and local communities, you will assist in the delivery of consultation and engagement activities and help ensure that planning policies support sustainable growth, housing delivery, infrastructure provision and environmental improvement across the Borough.

You will prepare reports, briefings and committee reports, respond to planning policy enquiries and represent the Council at meetings, consultation events and examinations where appropriate. The role offers the opportunity to gain experience across a broad range of strategic planning matters while contributing to projects that will help shape the Borough's future.

This 12-month fixed-term post provides an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner to make a significant contribution to the Council's ongoing plan-making programme during a period of change and opportunity within the planning system.

What's in it for you?

We pride ourselves on our friendliness and being a good employer with a range of benefits and employment terms and conditions to suit you. A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement, flexible working, a generous employer pension contribution scheme, work life balance policies, and support for your personal development are just some of the benefits we offer.

If you are eager to be part of a transformative journey and make a tangible impact, West Lancashire Borough Council welcomes your application.

Closing Date: 13 Dec 2026

Team: Professional

Salary: £45,529 to £48,738

It’s time to join West Lancs as we embark on delivering our new and ambitious Vision and Priorities.  With a focus on environmental sustainability, generating economic prosperity, building inclusive & healthy communities and financial resilience, we are looking for exceptional candidates to help shape our future. You will be joining an organisation that puts its customers first, takes responsibility and works together with a can-do attitude, all while challenging the status quo to deliver exceptional outcomes for our communities. 

Your Role!

As Principal Planning Officer (Strategic Planning), you will support the Strategic Planning Manager in leading the Strategic Planning team and will make a significant contribution to the preparation of the Council's new Local Plan and associated planning policy documents. You will also have direct management responsibility for planning staff and oversee the commissioning and management of specialist consultants and technical studies.

You will lead on the preparation of the Council's evidence base, including site assessments, policy development and consultation exercises. Working closely with elected members, statutory consultees, developers, local communities and neighbouring authorities, you will help ensure that planning policy delivers sustainable growth, infrastructure improvements, environmental enhancement and the homes and jobs the Borough needs.

The role provides an excellent opportunity to influence the Borough's future development, represent the Council at examinations, inquiries and hearings, and contribute to a wide range of strategic planning, regeneration and environmental initiatives.

What's in it for you?

We pride ourselves on our friendliness and being a good employer with a range of benefits and employment terms and conditions to suit you. A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement, flexible working, a generous employer pension contribution scheme, work life balance policies, and support for your personal development are just some of the benefits we offer.

If you are eager to be part of a transformative journey and make a tangible impact, West Lancashire Borough Council welcomes your application.

Closing Date: 13 Dec 2026

Team: Professional

Salary: £49,817 to £51,928