Project Officer - School Place Planning (Housing)

Role Overview

Lancashire County Council invites applications for a permanent, full-time Project Officer position within the School Place Planning Team, based in Preston (County Hall) with hybrid working options. This role focuses on coordinating education responses to housing growth, ensuring adequate school infrastructure keeps pace with new developments across Lancashire.

Key Responsibilities

• Track district planning portals, evaluate proposed housing developments for their implications on school place availability.
• Draft educational infrastructure assessments and respond to planning consultations with evidence-based input.
• Engage with Local Plans, masterplans, and strategic documents to support education infrastructure planning.
• Analyze pupil place planning data to anticipate future education facility needs.
• Monitor Section 106 developer agreements, including triggers for payments, indexation, and clawback clauses.
• Facilitate collection and dissemination of housing and planning data among school place planning teams.
• Assist with statutory reporting such as Infrastructure Funding Statements.
• Maintain accurate records and provide regular updates on service performance.
• Collaborate with planning authorities, developers, schools, and stakeholders to secure favorable educational outcomes.
• Contribute to ongoing process and methodology improvements.

Candidate Profile

• Degree-level education or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proven experience handling multiple stakeholders with diverse priorities.
• Strong capability analyzing and interpreting complex data sets.
• Adept at preparing clear, evidence-based reports and consultation responses.
• Ability to interpret legislation, policy, and guidance related to education and planning.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Proficient using Microsoft Office suite, with emphasis on Excel.
• Highly organized, methodical, and capable of managing competing deadlines.

Desirable Experience

• Background in education planning, local government, planning, housing infrastructure, or similar fields.
• Familiarity with the Education Act and Town and Country Planning legislation.
• Experience working with large datasets and creating analytical reports.
• Knowledge of developer contributions and related planning processes is a plus.

Organizational Values and Culture

• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement (Growth).
• Accountability and delivering high-quality results (Ownership).
• Positive, solution-driven approach (Optimism).
• Making meaningful impacts for Lancashire communities (Positive Impact).
• Supportive, innovative, respectful, and collaborative work environment.

Additional Information and Terms

• This position is designated as an essential car user role requiring a vehicle for business use with appropriate insurance. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for those unable to drive due to disability.
• International sponsorship is not available for this role.
• Salary range: £36,363 to £40,777 per annum.
• Standard working hours: 37 hours per week.
• Post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order) 2013.

If committed to enhancing educational infrastructure and contributing to sustainable community growth, candidates are encouraged to apply by the closing date of 28th August 2026. Interviews are scheduled for 16th September 2026.