At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a busy caseload of planning applications and collaborate with various stakeholders.
- Company: Charnwood Borough Council, committed to sustainable growth and community engagement.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Clear career progression pathways and opportunities for RTPI accreditation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of Loughborough and shape sustainable growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in development management, strong communication skills, and a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Charnwood Borough Council are seeking a dynamic, motivated and organised planning professional to manage a busy caseload and meet government targets.
You’ll bring:
- Recent experience in development management
- Strong report writing and case handling skills
- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
- A proactive, solution-focused mindset
- A commitment to delivering outstanding customer service
- A valid UK driving licence and access to your own transport is essential for site visits across the borough.
The Role:
You’ll be part of a skilled development management team, handling a varied caseload of planning applications – from householders to major developments, depending on your experience. You’ll collaborate across departments, with elected members and external partners, gaining valuable experience and making a real impact.
This career-graded post offers a clear path for progression. At the top of the scale, you’ll manage complex applications and supervise a Planning Assistant. Whether you’re an experienced Planning Officer ready for the next step, or a Senior Planning Officer looking to grow your leadership skills, this role is designed to support your journey.
Progression is linked to RTPI membership and defined responsibilities, with clear criteria for advancement.
What you’ll gain:
- Support from a friendly, experienced Planning and Growth team
- Diverse projects across urban and rural landscapes
- Opportunities to shape sustainable growth, protect heritage, and enhance biodiversity
- A chance to influence the future of Loughborough, a hub of innovation and learning
- Supportive, collaborative culture where your voice matters
- Engage with councillors, developers and communities to deliver inclusive planning outcomes
- Work for a council that values transparency, integrity and public service
- Access to training, mentoring and support for RTPI/IHBC/CIEEM accreditation
- Clear career progression pathways
- Hybrid working options and flexible hours to support your work-life balance
- Generous annual leave, pension scheme and wellbeing initiatives
- A modern, inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity
- Access to Continuous Professional Development
- A chance to make a meaningful impact on the places and people of Charnwood
Please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.
About Us
Charnwood is a dynamic and diverse borough of 180,000 residents, nestled between Leicester, Nottingham and Derby. At its heart is Loughborough – a thriving university town known for its innovation, culture and community spirit. Surrounding it are charming towns and villages set in stunning countryside.
Why Charnwood?
We have recently adopted our new Local Plan, which charts a bold course for growth through sustainable urban extensions, regeneration zones, and the UK’s largest science and enterprise park. Alongside this, we’re developing a Community Infrastructure Levy, a suite of Supplementary Planning Documents, and a Design Code. Now is the perfect time to join us and help deliver this exciting vision.
Benefits of working with us:
- Agile working options – including home working
- Generous annual leave (35.5 to 40.5 days including bank holidays)
- Most services close over Christmas
- Professional development opportunities
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Free parking
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and hold the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Gold Award. We support staff wellbeing and engagement through internal groups such as the Staff Forum, Health and Wellbeing Group, and Equality Working Group.
Shape the future of Charnwood – where innovation meets heritage.
Find out more about this role and our team: https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/planningcareers
Senior Planning Officer — Hybrid and Sustainable Growth in Loughborough employer: Charnwood Borough Council
Charnwood Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values transparency and integrity. With a focus on professional development, employees benefit from clear career progression pathways, hybrid working options, and generous annual leave, all while making a meaningful impact on the vibrant community of Loughborough. Join us to shape sustainable growth and enhance biodiversity in a modern, inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer — Hybrid and Sustainable Growth in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Charnwood Borough Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent projects and initiatives in Charnwood. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the job, but also in making a real impact on the community and its sustainable growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our communication skills! Since this role requires excellent negotiation abilities, let’s role-play potential scenarios with a friend. This will help us articulate our thoughts clearly and confidently during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how we meet the essential and desirable criteria they’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Officer — Hybrid and Sustainable Growth in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your recent experience in development management. We want to see how you've handled planning applications before, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Nail the Report Writing:Strong report writing skills are key for this role. When you’re crafting your application, keep it clear and concise, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively.
Demonstrate Your Proactive Mindset:We love a solution-focused approach! In your application, share instances where you’ve tackled challenges head-on and how you’ve contributed to outstanding customer service.
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 with Charnwood Borough Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charnwood Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on recent developments in planning management and local policies. Familiarise yourself with Charnwood's Local Plan and any relevant legislation, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your report writing, case handling, and communication skills. Think of specific situations where you successfully managed a complex application or resolved a challenging issue, as these will demonstrate your proactive mindset.
✨Engage with the Team
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Mention how you’ve worked with different departments or stakeholders in the past, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the supportive culture at Charnwood Borough Council.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and future challenges facing the council. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals and values.
