Career Grade Planning Officer

Are you looking to move forward and progress your Town Planning career? Or perhaps you are looking for your first opportunity to start your career in Planning?

This is a very exciting time to join Runnymede Borough Council. Runnymede is working to deliver the contents of its adopted local plan and has a wide range of interesting work to increase your experience in a supportive environment.

We are a friendly and ambitious Development Management team who have a great track record in delivering projects and are looking for a positive individual to join our team. We have a relatively up to date local plan and a team of permanent staff with significant experience in planning.

Joining us now you will be part of our team as we transition in to West Surrey Unitary Council. On formation West Surrey will be one of the largest Planning Authorities in the country handling more than 5000 planning applications a year. West Surrey has a very strong economy from a broad business base and also has significant housing needs, and as such there will be plenty of interesting work! The size of the authority and variety of work will provide significant opportunities to gain very broad experience and for career growth and development in a large team with multiple varied career paths. It is a very exciting time to be working in West Surrey.

If you have a Town Planning (or related) degree, or some relevant transferable experience, then an opportunity as a Planning Officer is a fantastic opportunity to build a strong career in Planning.

For a Senior Planning Officer role, you will have most likely have at least the equivalent of 3-4 years’ experience in determining planning applications and appeals of medium complexity, you would be expected to have strong comparable practical planning experience ideally in a Local Authority.

For a Principal Planning Officer role, you will be able to demonstrate considerable experience in dealing with complex planning applications. Ideally you will have a broad experience of appeal and committee work. Generally, this would be expected to be at least equivalent of at least five years of experience of Development Management

Most of all, we are seeking a confident, self-motivated and diplomatic person with a ‘can-do’ attitude and the ability to deliver positive outcomes for the future of the Borough. You should be able to provide clear and accurate advice to stakeholders and show excellent customer care, verbal and written skills.

In addition to a competitive salary, Runnymede Borough Council offers:

• Hybrid working
• Flexible working 7am-7pm & Flexi-leave
• 29 Days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Excellent Pension Scheme
• Free Parking
• Training and development opportunities
• Payment of one professional membership per annum
• Cycle to work + further related discounts
• Season ticket loan
• Health insurance plan after 1 years’ service
• Dental insurance plan after 3 years’ service

If you would like to find out more about the role or working with us please contact Victoria Gibson (Development Manager - Victoria.Gibson@runnymede.gov.uk ) or Ashley Smith (Corporate Head of Planning, Economy and Built Environment – Ashley.smith@runnymede.gov.uk )

Interviews: Week Commencing 5th January 2026

About You

If you have a Town Planning (or related) degree, or some relevant transferable experience, then an opportunity as a Planning Officer is a fantastic opportunity to build a strong career in Planning.

For a Senior Planning Officer role, you will have most likely have at least the equivalent of 3-4 years’ experience in determining planning applications and appeals of medium complexity, you would be expected to have strong comparable practical planning experience ideally in a Local Authority.

For a Principal Planning Officer role, you will be able to demonstrate considerable experience in dealing with complex planning applications. Ideally you will have a broad experience of appeal and committee work. Generally, this would be expected to be at least equivalent of at least five years of experience of Development Management.

About Runnymede

Runnymede is an ambitious, passionate, and progressive council with a forward- thinking attitude and award-winning departments. As a Borough Council, we are committed to our core values which we demonstrate through our ongoing policies and projects. We are always keen to improve our services and welcome innovative and proactive individuals who are open minded and have a positive approach in supporting our vision.

Runnymede Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults with care support needs and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You may be requested to present your identification at the interview stage and there will be several checks conducted during the onboarding process inclusive of an enhanced DBS check for specified roles.

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