Graduate Town Planner - Planning & Development

Job Title: Graduate Planner – Planning & Development

Location: Ashford, Kent

Salary: £25,302 to £27,600 per annum depending on skills and experience

Job Type: Full time, Fixed Term Contract for 3 years

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

Closing Date: 20th July 2025

Interview Date: Interviews will be held on 31st July for a 1st September start date

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Planning & Development department at Ashford Borough Council as a Graduate Planner on a 3-year contract.

You will be responsible for assisting in providing a high quality, customer-focused Planning & Development service. Working flexibly as part of the department you would rotate round the teams in the Planning & Development service to work on a wide range of tasks, including:

• Delivering advice and decisions on planning applications,
• Providing wider advice to stakeholders on planning related issues, and
• Assisting officers to prepare planning policies and guidance to promote high-quality development in the borough.

You will be allocated the essential car user allowance element of the lease car scheme whilst working within the areas of planning that require the ability to be mobile around the borough, so it is essential that you have a driving licence and use of a vehicle.

Who are we looking for?

• Someone with the ambition to start or continue to progress their career in planning
• Good attention to detail
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Some who is committed to personal development and has a can-do attitude
• Knowledge of the planning system, legislation and procedures are desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided, including an opportunity to study for a Chartered Town Planner Apprenticeship.

This role would suit graduates from a wide range of subjects, particularly individuals with a genuine interest in areas such as the built environment, planning, sustainability, the law and local government.

Successful post holders will be expected to study for Level 7 Chartered Town Planner (Apprenticeship). The entry Criteria is a minimum 2:2 degree, or equivalent.

Applicants with a non-cognate degree and several years\’ relevant work experience may be offered a place, if they can demonstrate a suitable level of specialist subject knowledge. Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English, or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).

On successful completion post holders will gain a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) fully-accredited qualification and will become Chartered Members of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).

About Us:

Ashford is the largest authority in the \”Garden of England\”. It\’s a beautiful place to live and work and we have everything, including unparalleled transport links, heritage towns and villages and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is close to the Channel Tunnel, the coast and London is just 38 minutes away by train.

At Ashford Borough Council, we are building an exciting and beautiful place for residents, businesses and visitors alike that will underpin economic prosperity, cultural richness and commercial opportunities for our communities.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working – We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working.
• Competitive remuneration package – We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

Additional Information:

With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Although Kent and Medway have not been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, discussions continue in this area. Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities. This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide.

We welcome applications form the Armed Forces Community.

Please click the APPLY button and you will be redirected to the council\’s website to complete your application.

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; Strategic Planner, Planning Officer, Development Officer, Town and County Planning, Development Planning Coordinator may also be considered for this role.