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- Tasks: Collaborate with local communities and assess planning applications to shape your area.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council prioritising employee wellbeing and flexible working.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your career in planning.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or related field; experience with planning applications is a plus.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 33400 - 50000 £ per year.
Overview
Salary up to £41,769 pa depending on skills and experience. Plus lease car cash alternative of £2,080 pa. Full time working on a 37 hours per week. 1 x up to 12-month temporary post to provide cover for maternity leave. This is a temporary fixed term contract position providing up to 12 months maternity leave cover ideally on a 37 hours per week basis but with flexibility for the right candidate. We offer the ability to work from home, helping you to balance your working and home life.
Responsibilities
- Working closely with local people, elected members, developers, and external organisations, acting as case officer for a variety of allocated applications, assessing proposals, and preparing recommendations.
- Providing pre-application advice and responding to enquiries from applicants, agents, and the public.
- Preparing and presenting reports to Committee, depending on grade and experience.
- Contributing to planning appeals, enforcement cases, and monitoring compliance with permissions.
- Liaising with Councillors, developers, consultees, and local residents in order to negotiate and deliver high-quality outcomes.
- Maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with planning legislation, Council policies, and national guidance.
- Dealing with planning appeals.
- Contributing to the development of Council planning policy.
Qualifications and competencies
- Degree (or equivalent) and eligibility for, or currently undertaking, RTPI-supported postgraduate planning qualification and already have experience of planning applications, enforcement processes, and administration of planning controls.
- Knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and development industry.
- Strong negotiation, report writing, and presentation skills.
- Ability to organise your workload, meet deadlines, and deliver excellent customer service.
- Experience of planning IT systems and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to visit sites independently across the borough (essential car user).
- Willingness to work outside normal office hours if required (including occasional weekends).
In addition, membership of the RTPI or working towards membership, and experience of public sector planning, preferably within a Local Authority, is welcomed. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your career in planning within a supportive and forward-thinking team.
To apply – please note this is a shortened, non-link version of the original content. If you require the full Job Description, contact the employer through official channels. For an informal discussion about this role please contact Roland Mills, Head of Development Management & Enforcement, on 01233 330556. When applying – Please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed. For any assistance in completing the application form, please email recruitment@ashford.gov.uk.
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.
Planning Officer - Development Management in Ashford employer: Ashford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Ashford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer - Development Management in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially in development management. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Planning Officer, you'll need to present reports and recommendations. Grab a friend or family member and run through your findings. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll come across in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer - Development Management in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Planning Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Off Your Skills: This role requires strong negotiation and report writing skills, so be sure to include examples of these in your application. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges in the past, especially in planning or development management.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, we’ll send you a confirmation once you’ve submitted it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford Borough Council
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation and policies. Familiarise yourself with local development plans and recent applications in the area. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the context in which you'll be working.
✨Prepare for Case Scenarios
Think about potential case scenarios you might face as a Planning Officer. Prepare to discuss how you would assess proposals, handle negotiations, and present reports. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to think on your feet during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to explain complex planning concepts, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your delivery.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or challenges they face in development management. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
