Planning Administrative Support Assistant

This is a full-time vacancy although applicants wishing to work reduced hours (minimum 25 hours) across five days a week will be considered. We are looking for a professional, well organised and IT literate individual who can support the work of a friendly and busy planning team in providing essential administrative and technical support to ensure business continuity and efficient operation of the service.

You’ll be working as part of the Development Management team who is responsible for the processing of all planning applications received within Crawley borough. You will need to be a logical thinker able to prioritise your work, carrying out tasks with accuracy and attention to detail. You need to have excellent communication skills and a strong customer focus, dealing with queries over the telephone as well as in writing.

You will be expected to deal with all types of planning documents so the ability to read and interpret scaled plans is essential. If required, you will be taught how to validate simpler planning applications. You will also be expected to deal with all aspects of the planning administration process including:

• receipt of correspondence and ensuring this is correctly assigned
• taking of fee payments
• checking documents are suitable for website publication
• ensure accurate maintenance of the planning register

You will be expected to support the rest of the team with their administration and general queries and provide wider support to other team members as required. A good understanding of databases including geographical information systems and IT literacy is important for this role which involves:

• accurate data input onto the statutory planning register
• an eye for detail to oversee publication of documents
• generation of relevant notifications and publicity
• dealing professionally with customers

Crawley is a great place to work, with a thriving business district and excellent transport connections including nearby Gatwick Airport. We are based in our modern Town Hall which opened in 2023 and is located a short walk from the town centre and railway station.

Requirement to work in the office a minimum of two days per week and to provide more office cover if needed to meet the needs of the service. This is a full-time vacancy although applicants wishing to work reduced hours (minimum 25 hours) across five days a week will be considered.

We offer a generous employee benefits package, with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone. Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do.

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.

Click the Apply button to complete your application online. Please ensure that the reference details you supply are for your current or most recent employer and that any gaps in employment are covered on your application form. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a fully completed application form. For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, email Jean McPherson at jean.mcpherson@crawley.gov.uk or call on 01293 438577.