Senior Planning Officer

Are you ready to take the next step in your planning career? We're looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Planning Officer to join our Development Management team.

About the Role

As a Senior Planning Officer, you’ll manage a varied and challenging caseload with minimal supervision. You’ll be responsible for assessing and determining planning applications and appeals, engaging in pre-application discussions, and contributing to enforcement actions. You’ll also represent the Council at Planning Committees, public inquiries, and hearings, ensuring high-quality outcomes that align with our strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess planning proposals and prepare detailed reports and recommendations.
• Conduct site visits and manage applications under delegated powers or via Planning Committee.
• Lead pre-application discussions and provide clear, timely advice.
• Present reports to Members’ Working Parties, Committees, and external organisations.
• Liaise with internal departments, external bodies, and the public to ensure compliance and collaboration.
• Investigate breaches of planning control and contribute to enforcement actions.
• Prepare and present appeal statements and act as professional witness at hearings and inquiries.
• Support the Head of Planning Services in delivering a responsive, customer-focused service.
• Respond to Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations requests.

What We’re Looking For

• At least two years’ experience in Development Management or planning policy.
• Proven ability to handle complex planning proposals and appeals.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and organisational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including report writing and public presentations.
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation and guidance.
• Eligible for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Proficient in IT systems including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• A proactive, team-oriented attitude with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines under pressure.

This is a politically restricted post

What we offer:

• Financial: An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure
• Holiday Entitlement: 26 days annual leave (increasing to 29 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme: The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.
• Free staff parking.
• Pensions: Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 19.7%.
• Hybrid: The Council operates a hybrid working model with minimum 2 days working in the office.
• Personal Development: Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Take a look here at all the additional benefits that we offer.

Equal Opportunities

Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.