Senior Planner (Development Management)
Please apply online via the link provided.
Rochford District Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. People with disabilities will be offered an interview where they meet the Essential Criteria on the Person Specification.
It is our policy that if you have not heard back within 3 weeks of the closing date you should assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.
Benefits: paid professional membership to RTPI, Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave allowance, agile/ hybrid working, staff discount scheme.
Do you want to be at the forefront of new thinking in planning? Do you want to lead on some major schemes that will shape both our urban and rural environment, delivering high quality and sustainable development within South Essex. Do you want to earn a competitive salary, work in a friendly environment and for an authority who are committed to investing in the progression of their staff? Then look no further.
About us
We are a proactive local planning authority in southeast Essex gearing up for the adoption of a new local plan but with plenty of opportunities to work on schemes coming forward in advance of adoption. The Rochford district has a diverse mix of rural, greenbelt and costal land use along with a strong historic identity. We process over 1200 applications per annum, all whilst achieving delivery above set government targets. We have a busy and effective Planning Enforcement team that works hard to protect our district and a dedicated team of technical officers supporting us with the administration of applications and appeals.
We are a great team, with a good mix of experience in all disciplines and we would welcome a new member to the team. Rochford District Council works in partnership with Brentwood Borough Council, also located in southeast Essex, as the OneTeam approach, where additional opportunities for experience and career progression could arise.
About the role
We are now looking for a Senior Planner to join our team. Whether you are already in a senior role and fancy a change or perhaps you have a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a planning officer making planning judgements on small major schemes, writing application reports and are an exceptional, ambitious candidate ready for that step up, then we would love to hear from you. Depending on your experience, in this post you will be required to assist with or lead on a number of major schemes and effectively manage a caseload of applications and appeals. From time to time you may also be required to sign off delegated recommendations.
About you
You must be extremely well-organised, self-motivated and flexible. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, forward thinking and a good team player.
Ideally you will be educated to degree level in Town Planning or a related subject, and as appropriate, be willing to study at postgraduate level. Full chartered membership of the RTPI is desirable or a willingness to apply for chartered membership once eligible.
This is a permanent role for 22 hours per week to complement an existing post. You will receive positive proactive support from senior management and peers, providing a fantastic opportunity to join an established team within which to progress your career. Are you up for the challenge?
For an informal chat please call Katie Rodgers (Team Leader - Development Management) on 07802 378 734 (Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri).
The closing date for applications is Monday 13 October 2025 at 08:00am.
Interviews to be held week commencing 20 October 2025.
Salary range
- £42,839 - £46,142 per year