At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage planning applications and collaborate on development control and spatial planning.
- Company: Epsom & Ewell Council, dedicated to high-quality services for our community.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, 25 days annual leave, subsidised gym membership, and local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy excellent office accommodation near Epsom station.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your planning skills.
- Qualifications: Planning experience and a recognised degree or equivalent qualification.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
At Epsom & Ewell, we aspire to deliver high quality services to our residents. We might be small, but we have big plans to serve our population of 80,000 residents. We are investing in our future, increasing strategic capacity, and exploring new ways of working.
You will be working with relevant officers within the Development Management and Planning Policy Services and other relevant officers across Council services on all aspects of development control and spatial planning work, as well as managing a diverse and challenging range of planning applications including minors and progressing to majors as well as assisting with the Council’s enforcement caseload. There may be more complex applications as you progress within the role, related appeals, enforcement activity and interaction with local plan work.
You must also have a proven track record of managing your own workload, report writing, working successfully to tight deadlines, and with minimum supervision. Excellent communication skills are essential as you will be interacting with Members, the general public, external agencies and public bodies, together with an ability to work effectively as part of a busy and committed team.
You must also be able to exhibit proven negotiation skills, have a flexible approach to work and cope with the work demands in a methodical and a calm manner. You will be contributing to the achievement of the Council’s corporate vision, behaviours and priorities and the development of the Council’s positive high performing culture.
With planning experience, you will have achieved or be progressing toward achievement of full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and have a recognised degree (or equivalent qualification) and/or significant experience in planning.
In return, we offer excellent office accommodation five minutes’ walk from Epsom railway station, heavily subsidised parking if needed, and an attractive salary. You will work with a team of strong and committed colleagues, benefit from 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service), subsidised gym membership, payment of professional fees, entitlement to join the local government pension scheme.
We look forward to receiving your application. For further details please contact Simon Taylor, Head of Development Management and Planning Enforcement: STaylor@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
Closing date: Thursday 4 June 2026
Interviews/assessments: Week commencing 08 June 2026
How to apply: Please apply online via the link provided by completing our application form. Please note, we do not accept CVs for this position.
Planning Officer in Surrey employer: Epsom & Ewell
Epsom & Ewell is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to delivering high-quality services to our community, we offer a supportive work culture, competitive benefits including generous annual leave, subsidised gym membership, and opportunities for career advancement within a dedicated team. Located just five minutes from Epsom railway station, our modern office environment fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for passionate planning professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Epsom & Ewell and their planning projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local planning events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to planning and development control. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role, especially your negotiation skills and workload management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what the role entails and how your skills align with the requirements. Highlighting relevant experience will make your application stand out!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates tailor their responses to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Show us how you can contribute to our team and the Council’s vision.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of the matter. Remember, we’re looking for excellent communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website using the provided link. We don’t accept CVs for this position, so stick to the application form. It’s your chance to shine, so take your time and give us your best shot!
How to prepare for a job interview at Epsom & Ewell
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your planning knowledge, especially related to development control and spatial planning. Familiarise yourself with local policies and recent applications in Epsom & Ewell, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be interacting with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex planning issues in the past, whether to colleagues, the public, or external agencies.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage your workload and meet tight deadlines. Share specific strategies or tools you use to stay organised, especially when handling multiple planning applications or reports.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Given the importance of negotiation in this role, think of situations where you've successfully negotiated outcomes. Be prepared to discuss these experiences and how they relate to the challenges you might face in planning enforcement or appeals.
