At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex planning applications and provide expert advice to support high-quality development.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Greenwich, a dynamic local authority focused on growth and regeneration.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career progression opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Immediate start available; early applications encouraged for this exciting opportunity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your planning expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and significant experience in Development Management required.
The predicted salary is between 27.72 - 27.72 £ per hour.
6 months contract with a Local Authority.
Job Purpose
The Principal Planning Officer is responsible for managing a varied and complex caseload of planning applications, providing professional planning advice, and supporting the delivery of high-quality development management services within the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The post holder will lead on the assessment and determination of complex planning applications, represent the Council at planning appeals and public inquiries, provide pre-application advice, supervise junior officers, and contribute to the achievement of the Council's planning, regeneration, and growth objectives. The role requires a detailed understanding of planning legislation, policy, and development management processes to ensure sound and defensible planning decisions are made in the public interest.
Key Responsibilities
- Development Management
- Manage and determine a complex caseload of planning applications, including major and sensitive developments.
- Lead the assessment, evaluation, and negotiation of planning proposals in accordance with national, regional, and local planning policies.
- Undertake site inspections, consultations, stakeholder engagement, and negotiations to support planning recommendations.
- Prepare high-quality planning reports, legal documents, and committee reports.
- Provide expert planning advice to applicants, developers, consultants, councillors, and members of the public.
- Deliver pre-application advice and guidance in accordance with planning legislation and Council policies.
- Ensure decisions are legally compliant, robust, and defensible.
- Appeals, Enforcement and Planning Advice
- Lead on planning appeals, including written representations, hearings, and Public Inquiries.
- Represent the Council before the Planning Inspectorate and other relevant bodies.
- Prepare appeal statements and evidence within statutory deadlines.
- Assist with planning enforcement matters, including enforcement notices, appeals, and prosecution cases where required.
- Interpret and apply planning legislation, case law, and policy guidance to complex development proposals.
- Leadership and Team Management
- Supervise, mentor, and support junior planning officers, graduate planners, and trainees.
- Provide technical guidance and quality assurance for reports and recommendations prepared by team members.
- Lead on staff development, training, coaching, and performance improvement activities.
- Deputise for the Deputy Team Manager when required.
- Support service improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and best practice.
- Stakeholder and Customer Engagement
- Represent the Planning Service at Planning Committees, working groups, public meetings, and community events.
- Build productive relationships with developers, consultants, residents, statutory consultees, councillors, and partner organisations.
- Coordinate effective stakeholder engagement throughout planning application processes.
- Deliver a customer-focused service while balancing competing priorities and statutory responsibilities.
- Strategic Planning and Regeneration
- Support the delivery of the Council's regeneration, growth, and development objectives.
- Contribute to strategic planning projects and major regeneration initiatives.
- Work collaboratively with public and private sector partners to secure high-quality development outcomes.
- Commission and manage external consultants where appropriate.
- Lead projects and initiatives that support planning service improvement and innovation.
- Performance and Governance
- Ensure planning performance targets, service standards, and statutory deadlines are achieved.
- Maintain accurate planning records and case management systems.
- Ensure compliance with planning legislation, corporate governance requirements, and council procedures.
- Contribute to service planning, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement activities.
- Promote equal opportunities, customer care, health and safety, GDPR, and Council policies in all areas of work.
Experience Required
Essential
- Significant experience working within a Development Management Planning environment.
- Experience assessing and determining a wide range of planning applications, including complex and major developments.
- Experience preparing and presenting planning applications at Planning Committee.
- Experience representing an organisation at planning appeals, hearings, and/or Public Inquiries.
- Experience providing professional planning advice to applicants, developers, elected members, and stakeholders.
- Experience negotiating planning solutions and securing positive development outcomes.
- Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting junior members of staff.
- Experience producing high-quality technical reports and policy-based recommendations.
- Experience managing competing priorities and working to strict statutory deadlines.
Desirable
- Experience within a London Borough or Local Authority planning service.
- Experience with major regeneration and strategic development projects.
- Experience managing consultant commissions and project budgets.
- Experience leading service improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Planning and Development, or a related discipline.
- Eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent professional body.
- Minimum of three years' post-qualification planning experience.
Desirable
- Full Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).
- Postgraduate qualification in Planning or a related subject.
- Additional professional training in planning law, regeneration, or development management.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Acts and associated legislation.
- Strong understanding of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), London Plan, and local planning policies.
- Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
- Strong analytical, investigative, and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to interpret complex planning legislation, policy, and case law.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong organisational and project management capabilities.
- Ability to manage complex caseloads with minimal supervision.
- Effective leadership, mentoring, and coaching skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency in planning systems, databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
Additional Information
- Employer: Royal Borough of Greenwich
- Position: Principal Planning Officer
- Grade: PO3 – PO4
- Department: Place and Growth
- Service Area: Planning – Development Management
- Location: Greenwich, London
- Hours: 35 hours per week
- Pay Rate: £27.72 per hour (Umbrella)
- Working Pattern: Full-time
- Reporting To: Team Manager / Deputy Team Manager
- DBS Requirement: No DBS required
- Career Progression: Career graded post with progression opportunities in accordance with the Council's Career Grade Scheme.
- Payment: Bi-weekly payment schedule
- Start Date: Immediate start available
- Closing Date: soon (early applications encouraged)
Planning Officer in Woolwich employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in the Special Educational Needs service can truly make a difference in children's lives. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes in the Bromley community. The supportive culture and commitment to high-quality services make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to lead impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in Woolwich
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in Woolwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Civic Recruitment Limited that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
