At a Glance
- Tasks: Validate planning applications and support a dynamic Development Management Team.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team in one of London’s key growth areas.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 30 days annual leave, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal development in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in town planning while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree educated with a keen interest in planning and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a Planning Validation Officer within a fast-paced Development Management Team in one of London’s key growth areas. This is an opportunity to join a dynamic, forward-thinking Development Management Team with a ‘best nationally’ level of performance. You will need to be able to demonstrate a keen interest or basic knowledge of town planning and/or building control, have outstanding organisation, be solutions‑led and have excellent customer service skills.
The responsibilities of the role are primarily related to the validation of planning applications. Working arrangements are currently hybrid with two compulsory days in the office per week.
Location: Be First, MAKE IT Barking, 15 Linton Road, Barking, London IG11 8HE
Job Salary: £29,000 - £30,000 + benefits and 30 days annual leave entitlement
Closing Date: June 1, 2026
Job Description: To support BeFirst’s vision and resilience agenda by providing a consistently high quality, cost‑effective and customer focused Planning and Street Naming and Numbering support services. The role will also ensure that the Planning administrative function is carried out to a high level of accuracy and to required standards.
Key tasks and accountabilities are intended to be a guide to the range and level of work expected of the post holder. This is not an exhaustive list of all tasks that may fall to the post holder and employees will be expected to carry out such other reasonable duties which may be required from time to time by the Head of Statutory Planning and Building Control.
The following responsibilities include:
- To contribute towards the implementation of a working culture that is result‑oriented, customer‑focused and an ethos of ‘right first time’ service delivery.
- To undertake all duties with minimal supervision.
- To be responsible for continuous personal development by requesting and attending training when necessary.
- To demonstrate a strong commitment to the promotion of equal opportunities.
- To provide a proactive, knowledgeable Planning business support service to external and internal customers and stakeholders, meeting evolving delivery priorities, issues and challenges to agreed standards defined in the service offer.
- Undertake a full range of operational business and administrative tasks in order to support the work of the Planning and Street Naming and Numbering service.
Activities include:
- Accurate receipting, recording, and validating Planning applications.
- Planning record management and maintenance.
- Administration of Planning Appeals.
- Administration of the Planning services email inbox.
- Overseeing receipt of payments and refunds to/from customers.
Person Specification:
- Educated to degree level.
- IT literate with experience of using Word, PowerPoint and other software packages to record and manage data.
- A proven record or experience of communicating in person, by telephone and in writing in a calm, courteous and confident professional manner.
- Demonstrable understanding of the equality and diversity agenda, and experience of embedding a fair and ethical approach within a team and wider organisation.
Essential Skills:
- Able to work successfully in teams.
- Able to think and work proactively, ‘self‑start’ and work autonomously with the minimum of direct supervision.
- Scrupulous attention to detail, particularly with regard to technical aspects of operational processes and practices, accuracy of records and reports, efficiency and accuracy around schedule and diary management.
- Able to work under pressure, organise and prioritise own work and that of others, ensuring agreed programmes and project requirements are met and customer demands accommodated.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Strong communications skills, abilities to flex communication style and approach to meet the needs of a diverse range of stakeholder groups.
- Ability to prioritise under pressure.
- Must have a keen interest in planning or development and a willingness to understand regulations that apply to the built environment.
Planning Validation Officer employer: Be First Regeneration Limited
Be First offers an exceptional working environment for a Planning Validation Officer, situated in the vibrant area of Barking, London. With a commitment to professional development and a hybrid work model, employees enjoy a supportive culture that prioritises customer service and accuracy. The company provides competitive benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, fostering a balanced work-life dynamic while contributing to meaningful urban development.
Contact Details:
Be First Regeneration Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Validation Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Be First and their projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. Since this role requires excellent customer service, try role-playing common scenarios with a friend. This will help you feel more confident when discussing your experience and how you handle various situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in town planning or development on LinkedIn. Engaging with industry groups can lead to valuable insights and even job leads. Don’t be shy; reach out and ask questions!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest job openings and updates directly from us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Validation Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning:Make sure to highlight your interest or knowledge in town planning and building control. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and how it fits into our dynamic team.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:Since the role involves validating planning applications, it’s crucial to demonstrate your organisational skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences to show how you pay attention to detail and manage tasks efficiently.
Communicate Clearly:Your written application should reflect your strong communication skills. Keep it professional yet friendly, and make sure to tailor your language to match the job description. We love a good communicator!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Be First.
How to prepare for a job interview at Be First Regeneration Limited
✨Know Your Planning Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of town planning and building control. Familiarise yourself with key regulations and recent developments in the field. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Organisation Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your organisational abilities. Think of times when you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects under pressure. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised and ensured accuracy in your work.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Excellence
Since customer service is crucial for this role, prepare to share experiences where you provided exceptional service. Highlight your communication skills and how you handled challenging situations with stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Autonomy
Be ready to discuss your experience working in teams as well as independently. Share specific examples of how you contributed to team success while also taking initiative on your own projects.
