The Council lies in the centre of South Essex, an area recognised by successive Governments for its potential to grow and prosper. With excellent links to London and to the rest of Essex, a wealth of high quality environmental designations and an interesting and diverse range of planning challenges, the Council now has a unique opportunity to create new planning policy following the withdrawal of its recent plan. The Council wants to move forward with new policy approaches to strategic and local planning issues where possible in collaboration with its neighbouring planning authorities and other “duty to co-operate” bodies. 

The Head of Place & Policy(Strategic Planning, Sustainable Development & Enterprise) post holder would lead the team on strategic planning policy matters and provide effective engagement in strategic planning work fulfilling the “duty to co-operate”. An important component of the work of the post holder will be to liaise with peers at neighbouring local authorities to continue to develop a joint approach to strategic planning in South Essex, delivering a key part of the South Essex 2050 Vision through the Joint Strategic Plan for South Essex. 

This post is available on a permanent basis in order to deal with an increasing variety and complexity of strategic and local planning policy work. It would suit anyone seeking to further their career at a senior level, leading with all aspects of planning policy in a local and sub-regional context. 

We are seeking a highly motivated and determined individual to drive forward our Planning and Enterprise agenda and to help us deliver our place shaping and development ambitions for the borough. 

Experience of working in a local authority planning policy team is essential, as is a relevant qualification(s); you will need to be a forward thinking, inspiring Planning professional who can display their technical knowledge with credibility in a political environment. 

It is essential that the post holder is able to gain access to all parts of the area efficiently and so a full UK driving licence and access to a car will be required. An appropriate car user payment will be made. 

In return the Council is offering a generous annual salary of £70,098 - £74,726 (includes market supplement) per annum, plus an excellent Local Government Pension Scheme. Castle Point Borough Council also promote flexible working and working from home. In addition this this you will also be entitled to free onsite parking, free Leisure Centre membership and an attractive benefits package.

The Council is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and we expect all our employees to share this commitment. Castle Point Borough Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.