At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape London's largest Opportunity Area through diverse planning applications and community engagement.
- Company: Join OPDC, a key player in London's regeneration and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 30 days annual leave, and a supportive learning environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse candidates and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on urban development while growing your career in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree and RTPI membership eligibility required; experience with major applications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
About The Role
Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Planner to join its Development Management team in the Planning Directorate. OPDC is one of two of the Mayor of London’s Development Corporations and spans three London boroughs, the Park Royal industrial estate and is home to the new High Speed 2 and Elizabeth line station, the only place where these two major new rail lines meet. OPDC is leading the planning and regeneration of this emerging new district with the potential to deliver many thousands of new homes and jobs over the coming years. This role offers the chance to shape Old Oak and Park Royal, London’s largest Opportunity Area and one of the most exciting and ambitious regeneration projects in the UK.
What we’re looking for
We have an exciting opportunity for a talented individual to join our Development Management team as a Senior Planner on a permanent contract, to help resource an expanding workload associated with increased planning and development activity in the area. The successful candidate will have a varied caseload comprising a range of planning applications and pre‑application proposals, for major residential, mixed use and industrial developments, post‑permission matters including the discharge of conditions and Section 106 obligations, as well as some smaller commercial and householder applications. Working within a close‑knit team, you will be expected to work proactively on your own caseload, prepare reports for decision under delegated authority and by OPDC’S Planning Committee, and respond to enquiries from the public, providing advice and guidance on the Corporation’s planning processes and implementation of policies within the OPDC Local Plan.
You will possess a relevant degree and be eligible for RTPI membership. You will be able to demonstrate successful experience in a similar role and will have a good understanding of the working environment of a local planning authority. Demonstrable experience of dealing with large‑scale major applications is desirable. You will also have an excellent understanding of the local, regional and national planning policy context and legislative framework. You believe strongly in working flexibly as part of a team to get the job done and are confident in your technical expertise and experience to proactively manage your own workload and deliver successful outcomes.
Principal Accountabilities Of The Role Include
- Working on a range of major and/or complex planning applications, ensuring that they are dealt with in accordance with agreed performance targets.
- Managing your own caseload of planning applications and pre‑application proposals, as delegated by the Head of Planning Development.
- Preparing written reports for decision both under delegated authority and by the Planning Committee.
- Working across professional boundaries and OPDC directorates to contribute to the wider success of the Corporation.
- Building and maintaining relationships with internal and external contacts, to represent the Development Management function, and the wider Corporation in a positive, professional and engaging way.
Benefits
OPDC staff are hybrid working at least 2 days a week in our offices in North Acton. You will therefore need to split your time between home working and coming into the office. In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme with the option to add to build up pension benefits with a separate provider alongside your LGPS pension via additional voluntary contributions.
Learning and development
At OPDC we are dedicated to empowering team members through ongoing learning opportunities and professional development initiatives. Our commitment to learning and development means that we will provide you with the resources and support to expand your skills and grow your career.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
London’s diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part‑time work as this role is open to job share. Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible.
Additional Information
All candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, it would disqualify them from consideration. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.
Senior Planning Officer employer: Greater London Authority
Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London’s largest Opportunity Area. With a strong commitment to employee growth through ongoing learning opportunities, a generous benefits package including 30 days of annual leave, and a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, OPDC fosters a collaborative culture where every team member can thrive. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in urban planning and regeneration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning sector, especially those connected to OPDC. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local planning policies and recent developments in the area. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with OPDC's goals and projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past work where you tackled complex planning issues. This will demonstrate your ability to manage your own caseload effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the OPDC team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Senior Planner role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what OPDC is looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; explain how your past experiences have prepared you for this position. Focus on your work with major planning applications and any relevant projects you've managed.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your sentences straightforward and avoid jargon. We want to see your expertise without getting lost in complicated language.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Greater London Authority
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on local, regional, and national planning policies before the interview. Understanding the OPDC Local Plan and how it fits into the broader context will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also genuinely interested in the organisation's mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience with major planning applications. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex cases, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the varied caseload expected in this role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since the role involves working closely with a team, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked across professional boundaries in past roles, as this will resonate well with the collaborative culture at OPDC.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the OPDC’s current projects and future plans. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the organisation aligns with your career goals and values.
