Chief Planning Officer

EHDC; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governing body in Petersfield is seeking a Chief Planning Officer to manage the planning function and lead a team. You will prepare the Local Plan and oversee major applications, ensuring sustainable development and contributing to community well-being. The ideal candidate has senior-level town planning experience and strong leadership qualities. Competitive salary and benefits package included.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in town planning at a senior level.
• Resilient and flexible leader, champion of values and behaviours.
• Lead fearlessly, guide the team toward ambitious goals.

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire planning function, including Local Plan preparation.
• Lead and empower a team to deliver sustainable development.
• Provide professional planning advice to the Council.

Job description

East Hampshire District Council

Chief Planning Officer – Petersfield, Hampshire

Salary: £77,557 – £85,211 per annum. Full time, 37 hours per week, Permanent.

Overview

Are you an experienced planner, manager and leader looking to lead a collaborative and knowledgeable team in a beautiful part of the country? If so, apply to join us!

This is an exciting time to join us in the newly created Chief Planning Officer role, managing the whole planning function while preparing a new development plan and delivering substantial growth with Whitehill and Bordon new town, alongside large major applications around heritage and protected landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire planning function, including preparing the Local Plan and overseeing major applications.
• Lead and empower a team to deliver sustainable development.
• Provide professional planning advice to the Council and its Planning Committee.
• Ensure planning contributes to economic, social, and environmental well‑being.
• Drive effective use of new planning technology and an invested enforcement team.
• Communicate and collaborate across the organisation and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Positive: Resilient and flexible leader, champion of values and behaviours.
• Bold: Lead fearlessly, guide the team toward ambitious goals, implement solutions.
• Respectful: Lead with integrity, instill trust and confidence.
• Results Driven: Set challenging goals, take ownership of delivering Council strategy, embrace feedback.
• Experience in town planning at a senior level.

Benefits

Competitive salary, generous annual leave and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. For full benefits, see our website.

Equality & Diversity

The Council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Application Deadline

Applications close Monday 8th December 2025. Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing Monday 15th December 2025.

For an informal discussion regarding the role, contact Cameron de Wit at 02393 876014 or email [e-mail].