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- Tasks: Join our team as a Planning Officer, processing applications and providing development advice.
- Company: Swale Borough Council is a progressive local authority in Kent focused on community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 34-hour work week, flexible hybrid working, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting planning transformation with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Qualifications: A relevant degree or diploma and RTPI membership (or working towards it) are required.
- Other info: Experience a supportive environment with regular wellbeing events and professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 27400 - 32800 £ per year.
We are proud to be working exclusively with Swale Borough Council, a forward-thinking and ambitious local authority in Kent, to recruit a Planning Officer to join their busy and supportive Planning Applications team.
A Council that puts people first. At Swale, staff wellbeing is a genuine priority. With a 34-hour full-time working week and early office closure at 1:30pm every Friday, the Council is committed to helping employees achieve a healthy work-life balance. This is further supported by a generous annual leave entitlement, which increases with service, plus an additional three days’ leave over the Christmas period when the offices close completely. Their flexible hybrid working policy, with flexi-time between 7am and 7pm, is just one of the many ways they support their team.
It’s an exciting time to join Planning at Swale. With renewed momentum behind the Local Plan, a restructured Planning Applications team geared for success, and the formation of a new Place Service—bringing together planning, regeneration, economic development and property—there’s a real sense of purpose and opportunity. The new structure is designed to retain, develop and attract top talent, and offers a collaborative, supportive environment where you can thrive. Swale’s strategic location within Kent and the wider South East, combined with its rich heritage, ecological assets, and diverse geography, makes it a fascinating and rewarding place to work in planning.
As a Planning Officer, you’ll play a vital role in delivering a high-quality planning service across the borough. Your responsibilities will include:
- Processing a range of planning applications, including advertisements, listed buildings, Tree Preservation Orders, and Conservation Area notices.
- Providing development advice to householders, agents, developers, and landowners.
- Preparing and presenting the Council’s case at appeals, inquiries, hearings, and court proceedings (commensurate with grade).
- Supporting the preparation and presentation of reports to Member Working Groups and Committees.
What you’ll bring:
- A relevant undergraduate degree or diploma.
- Membership of the RTPI (or working towards full membership of the RTPI or RICS).
- Experience of collaborative working across teams and with external stakeholders.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- The ability to travel independently around the borough.
Swale Borough Council offers a generous and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth:
- 34-hour working week with early finish on Fridays
- Highly flexible hybrid working and flexi-time (7am–7pm)
- 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
- 3 additional days leave over Christmas
- Free parking
- Local Government Pension Scheme with life cover
- Life assurance (3x salary for LGPS members)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme
- Annual flu vaccination
- Employee Assistance Programme with counselling support
- Discounts on shopping, leisure, and holidays
- Professional fee payment (where applicable)
- Relocation support (if eligible)
- Regular wellbeing events including holistic therapies and outdoor activities
- Excellent learning and development opportunities
If you’re interested in learning more about these opportunities, including gaining access to our dedicated microsite, receiving the JD/PS or just having a confidential chat, please get in touch with Daniel Baker on 07545 546 986 or apply via this advert. Whilst the closing date for applications is legitimate, the council are open to speaking with suitable candidates as they apply before this date to ensure they don’t miss out.
Planner / Senior Planner employer: Hays Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner / Senior Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Swale Borough Council's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their current focus, especially regarding the Local Plan and the new Place Service, will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and alignment with their goals during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Swale Borough Council. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which you can leverage to tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in collaborative working environments. Given the emphasis on teamwork and external stakeholder engagement in the job description, having specific examples ready will showcase your ability to thrive in their supportive setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your commitment to professional development, particularly your journey towards RTPI or RICS membership. This shows your dedication to the field and aligns with Swale's goal of attracting top talent who are eager to grow within the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Planner / Senior Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of a Planner/Senior Planner. Emphasise your qualifications, such as your degree or diploma, and any membership with RTPI or RICS.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for planning and your understanding of Swale Borough Council's goals. Mention specific projects or initiatives that excite you about the role and how you can contribute to their success.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, be sure to include examples of your collaborative work in previous positions. This could involve teamwork on planning applications or community engagement projects.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in planning roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on the relevant planning legislation and policies that affect Swale Borough. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your understanding of the role and its importance in the local context.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with teams and external stakeholders in the past. Highlighting your collaborative approach will resonate well with the Council's emphasis on teamwork.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
As a Planning Officer, strong communication is key. Be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated complex information to various audiences, whether it’s through reports or presentations.
✨Express Your Passion for Local Development
Convey your enthusiasm for planning and development within the Swale area. Discuss any personal connections or interests you have in the borough's heritage and ecological assets to demonstrate your commitment.
