Senior Planning Officer – AR

Job Details

Senior Planning Officer

Directorate: Regeneration & Sustainable Development
Division: Planning (Development Management)
Reports to: Team Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Planning Officer to support the delivery of high-quality development and regeneration across the borough. You will manage a caseload of complex and major planning applications, negotiate with developers to secure policy-compliant and high-quality schemes, and contribute to the continued improvement of our Development Management service.

This is a senior professional role requiring strong technical expertise, sound judgement, and the confidence to represent the Council at committee and appeal proceedings.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage and determine complex and major planning applications in accordance with delegated powers.
  • Prepare clear, well-reasoned reports with recommendations for Planning Committee and delegated decisions.
  • Present applications at Planning Committee and respond to Member queries.
  • Negotiate with applicants and agents to secure high-quality outcomes in line with national and local planning policy.
  • Prepare and defend the Council’s case in planning appeals, including written representations, hearings and inquiries.
  • Provide pre-application advice on significant development proposals.
  • Mentor and support junior planning officers.
  • Liaise with internal departments, elected Members, residents and external stakeholders.
  • Undertake site visits and assess the planning merits and impacts of development proposals.

About You

You will have:

  • Degree-level qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline.
  • Significant experience in Development Management within a local authority setting.
  • Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy.
  • Experience handling major or complex applications and planning appeals.
  • Excellent written, analytical and negotiation skills.
  • Confidence presenting at committee and engaging with a range of stakeholders.
  • Membership of, or progress toward membership of, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is desirable.

What We Offer

  • Opportunity to lead on significant regeneration and investment projects.
  • Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development.
  • Involvement in high-profile and strategically important developments.