Planning Officer (Major Developments)

Job Introduction

Career Grade Planning Officer – Strategic Development Team

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Location: Woolwich, London
Salary: £35,520 – £45,750 (depending on experience)
Contract: Permanent / Full-time

About the Role

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is experiencing significant growth and transformation, with a high-profile pipeline of regeneration and major development schemes. We are seeking motivated and skilled Planning Officers to join our Strategic Development Team, playing a key role in shaping the future of the borough.

You will manage a varied caseload of major and strategic planning applications, including large residential, mixed-use, and regeneration developments. Working at the heart of the Council’s growth agenda, you will help deliver high-quality, sustainable development while balancing competing priorities. There are currently two vacancies within the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and determine complex major planning applications and pre-application proposals
• Provide clear, professional advice to developers, agents, and internal stakeholders
• Lead on negotiations to secure high-quality design, planning obligations, and policy compliance
• Prepare detailed committee reports and present applications to Planning Committee
• Collaborate with colleagues across planning, regeneration, transport, and infrastructure teams
• Contribute to the delivery of the borough’s strategic regeneration objectives
• Engage effectively with members of the public, councillors, and stakeholders

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Educated to degree level in Town Planning or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Working towards or already holds MRTPI membership (desirable)
• Knowledgeable in UK planning legislation, policy, and procedures
• A strong communicator, both written and verbal
• Organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Customer-focused, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach

Why Join Us?

At the Royal Borough of Greenwich, we are committed to creating supportive and inclusive working environment where you can thrive.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• The chance to work on exciting regeneration and development projects

About Us

Greenwich is a borough of contrasts—rich in heritage, with ambitious growth and regeneration programmes. From major developments to conservation-led schemes, this is an exciting place to build your planning career and make a real impact.

For an informal discussion please contact Tim Edwards at tim.edwards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or 0208 921 2620 (no recruiters please)

Diversity Statement: Royal Borough of Greenwich values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this. We therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Advert Close: All vacancies close at midnight unless otherwise stated.

Early Advert Close: Royal Borough of Greenwich reserves the right to close any job advert earlier than the advertised closing date where there is reason to do so (for example high volume of applications).

How Applications are Scored: Each application is scored according to how well the supporting statements addresses each point on the Person Specification for the role. Candidates will be short-listed for interview on the extent to which they meet the specific points within the Person Specification. The Person Specification is supplied with the job advert. When completing your application, please use the supporting statements section to tell us how you meet each of the points on the Person Specification. We need to have this information in order to consider your application.

Salary: Salaries advertised are for a standard working week of 35 hours unless otherwise stated. Please use this 'Salary Calculator to help you calculate a pro rata salary.

Our Staff Values: Our Staff Values are important to us. Candidates will be continuously assessed against our staff values throughout the recruitment process. Where candidates demonstrate views and behaviours that do not meet the standards of our staff values, we reserve the right to reject their application/ registration.