At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of Elmbridge through innovative planning and design.
- Company: Join a passionate team at one of the busiest local planning authorities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and a strong wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities with bespoke learning plans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Motivation for professional qualifications and a passion for design.
The predicted salary is between 33055 - 48091 £ per year.
Elmbridge Borough Council, Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9SD
Contract:
Permanent
Working Pattern:
Full Time
Hours:
36 hours per week.
DBS Check:
No
Closing Date:
01/09/2026 at 09:00
Reference:
CED/26/340899
Planning Officer
Development Management, Planning and Environmental Health
Interview date: w/c21 September 2026
What does it take to be a planner at Elmbridge?
We would suggest that it takes all of this and one other trait; we want our planners to be passionate about design.
That’s what makes planning services at Elmbridge different; we have talented, passionate people, determined to do their best work for Elmbridge, influencing and helping to shape Elmbridge.
In response to the increase in planning application fees, Elmbridge is creating additional posts within the team. Therefore, you will be joining a growing team.
If you want to be a planner and you have the motivation to undertake professional qualifications, we will support you in a day release course at University.
You will see the other essential criteria in the person specification, but it’s your approach to work that will be your main asset.
Whether you are a planning manager, officer or trainee you will understand that you have an important role to play in helping us to shape Elmbridge. You will be supporting our customers and helping them to understand the role good planning makes in shaping an area.
Elmbridge is one of the busiest local planning authorities in the country and sets very high standards for the delivery of planning decisions within Government targets. With land values that rival London and a population of 135,000, we will provide you with an interesting and challenging step in your career.
From April 2027, Elmbridge will become part of the new East Surrey Council. As we work towards that time, our focus remains firmly on delivering high quality services to our residents. We understand that this period of transition may bring uncertainty, particularly around future working arrangements such as office locations. Please be assured that we are committed to supporting all our employees throughout this process, prioritising wellbeing, continuous learning and professional development.
While we cannot predict exactly what lies beyond 2027, we can confidently say that your time at Elmbridge Borough Council will be both rewarding and enriching. You will gain valuable experience, benefit from extensive training opportunities and be involved in one of the most significant transformations in local government in the past 50 years.
About us
We know we ask a lot, but the good news is that we give a lot too.
- Learning and development:
- We will support you on that journey by creating a bespoke learning and development plan for you.
- You will meet people in the team who have completed Masters, been promoted within the team and have taken on other professional qualifications.
- Flexibility:
- We know hybrid working is here to stay and we will discuss the right mix of home and office for you.
- When you thrive Elmbridge thrives, which is why we have developed a strong and varied wellbeing programme for our employees.
- The package:
- Not forgetting our excellent pension and ‘Thrive’ package of employee benefits and discounts with various local businesses. There is also free employee parking.
What else?
We encourage you to read more on us and if you have any queries please give us a call.
Here are some reading options to help you with your decision making:
If you would like to talk to us about the role, please give Jenny our Team Leader in Development Management a call on 01372 474796.
What are you waiting for?
Elmbridge Borough Council - Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. If you require any adjustments to be able to engage in the recruitment process for this role, please let us know by emailing humanresources@elmbridge.gov.uk
How to apply
Please note that we do not accept CVs. We only accept online applications. Our applications can take up to 2hrs to completebut we have prepared some guidelines to help you with the application as it’s such an important part of the process.
To apply use the "Apply Online" button below, which will take you to our Applicant Tracking System ('ATS') where, once you have applied, you can log on to your online account at any time to view the status of any of your applications. By using ATS, you can track the progress of your application(s), receive communications by email, select your own interview time online and see whether you have been made a conditional offer.
Planning Officer in Esher employer: Elmbridge Borough Council
Elmbridge is an exceptional employer, dedicated to the wellbeing of its employees and the community. As a Green Spaces Ranger, you will join a passionate team committed to enhancing the local environment, with ample opportunities for personal growth and development. The supportive work culture prioritises mental health and offers various initiatives to ensure that when you thrive, Elmbridge thrives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in Esher
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Elmbridge's values and recent projects. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you connect your passion for planning with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills and experiences align with what Elmbridge is looking for in a Planning Officer.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for design! Bring examples of your work or ideas that demonstrate your commitment to good planning. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about shaping Elmbridge.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot them a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in Esher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your passion for design. We want to see how you can contribute to shaping Elmbridge with your creative ideas and solutions.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Planning Officer role. We love seeing candidates who put in the effort!
Be Solution-Focused:In your written application, demonstrate your solution-focused attitude. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past and how you can bring that mindset to our team at Elmbridge.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elmbridge Borough Council
✨Show Your Passion for Design
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for design during the interview. Elmbridge is looking for planners who are not just skilled but also passionate about shaping the environment. Bring examples of projects or designs that inspire you and explain why they resonate with your vision of good planning.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached them. Elmbridge values a solution-focused attitude, so think of instances where you successfully navigated complex planning issues and what strategies you employed to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with Elmbridge's unique planning landscape. Research recent developments, local challenges, and community needs. This knowledge will show your commitment to the role and help you articulate how you can contribute to the team’s goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the support provided for professional development. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if Elmbridge is the right fit for you.
