Principal Planners​/Principal Planning Policy Officers

About The Borough

Found in zone 6 with good transport links in and out of London, Kingston is a vibrant and diverse university town which creates a rich sense of community shared across the borough and its residents. Kingston boasts an idyllic riverside location, good shopping and great restaurants, as well as a mix of modern and historic town centre. Kingston has lots of open parklands and cycle routes that help connect the district town centres into an enjoyable place to live and work.

We are passionate about working closely with our residents and vulnerable groups to help them maintain their independence and create a balance between support and independent living.

• Lead on major and complex planning applications, ensuring compliance, quality, and timely outcomes.
• Review, sign off and make recommendations on planning applications of all types (subject to delegation).
• Represent the service at Planning Committees and Neighbourhood Committees, supporting effective decision-making.
• Provide expert advice to applicants, stakeholders and internal teams.

• Assist with the preparation of the Local Plan and related planning policy documents for specific areas, topics or neighbourhoods.
• Contribute to topic papers, planning briefs and policy material used across corporate strategy work.
• Support the programme of survey, data analysis and evidence gathering required for policy development.
• Assist in public participation and community engagement exercises.
• Monitor development trends across the borough and prepare related statistics and reporting.
• Advise on the policy implications of planning applications.
• Lead on transport policy advice, including responding to strategic consultations and interpreting Government strategies.

• Manage and mentor planners, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Lead individual projects and work streams, sometimes including budget responsibility.
• Drive service innovation and contribute to annual planning processes and performance targets.
• Deputise for senior officers—up to and including the Head of Spatial Planning—as required.

• Chartered membership (or eligibility for Chartered or Associate membership) of the RTPI.
• Experience meeting the criteria for progression from Grade I in the Role Profile.

• Significant experience in Development Management or Planning Policy, including complex projects and strategic work streams.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to influence at senior level.
• Comprehensive understanding of planning legislation, local government operations, and relevant national policy.
• A proactive, customer‑focused approach aligned to Kingston’s STAR values:
  Supportive, Transparent, Appreciative, Respectful.
• Able to achieve challenging performance targets and contribute to continuous improvement.

• Experience of Examinations in Public for the Local Plan.
• Experience managing policy‑focused projects or supervising other planners.
• Ability to lead technical work, transport planning input, and strategic evidence development.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape Kingston’s future – delivering sustainable growth, vibrant communities, and a forward‑thinking planning service in one of London’s most exciting boroughs. If you’re ready to lead, influence, and deliver, we’d love to hear from you.

Shape Kingston’s Future – Lead, Influence, Deliver. We’re looking for experienced and ambitious Principal Planners and Principal Planning Policy Officers to play a leading role in shaping Kingston’s growth, development, and long‑term spatial strategy. As a senior member of the Planning Service and Deputy Team Leader, you’ll manage complex projects, mentor colleagues, and help deliver excellence across both Development Management and Planning Policy.

From our historic riverside and vibrant market town to major regeneration schemes and evolving neighbourhoods, Kingston is one of London’s most dynamic boroughs. You’ll play a…