At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess planning applications and provide expert advice to shape local development.
- Company: Join a local authority committed to effective community planning.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a supportive team and potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your planning expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in Planning or related field; MRTPI membership preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
To undertake the Council’s responsibilities for the control of development under the Town and Country Planning Acts and related legislation within the Borough. The postholder will assess planning applications and breaches of planning control, provide professional planning advice, and contribute to the effective delivery of development management services while supporting the wider planning team.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess, appraise, and determine planning applications, planning appeals, and breaches of planning control in accordance with planning legislation, policy, and material considerations.
- Prepare reports and recommendations for delegated decisions and Planning Committee determinations.
- Advise Planning Committee members and present cases at committee meetings as required.
- Represent the Council at appeals, hearings, public inquiries, and court proceedings where necessary.
- Negotiate with applicants, agents, developers, and stakeholders to achieve positive planning outcomes and resolve planning issues.
- Maintain a high standard of decision-making and contribute to achieving service performance targets, with a strong emphasis on pre-application engagement.
- Investigate alleged breaches of planning control and undertake site visits, including occasional visits outside normal working hours.
- Assist with the validation of planning applications where required.
- Support and mentor junior staff and provide management support to the Team Leader when necessary.
- Contribute to continuous service improvement within Development Management.
- Ensure compliance with Council policies, including Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, IT Security, and Emergency Planning requirements.
- Undertake training, professional development, and any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.
Requirements
Qualifications & Professional Membership
- Degree in Planning or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Member of the MRTPI or eligible for membership.
- Full driving licence and ability to travel across the Borough.
Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of planning law, planning policy, and development management.
- Knowledge of planning appeals, enforcement, heritage, and tree-related matters.
- Understanding of equal opportunities and inclusive working practices.
- Advanced knowledge of viability assessments, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, case law, and design principles (desirable).
Experience
- Significant experience in local government planning and development management.
- Extensive experience dealing with planning applications, enforcement matters, and appeals.
- Experience securing legal agreements (desirable).
- Previous management or supervisory experience (desirable).
Skills & Abilities
- Excellent written communication skills, including report writing, correspondence, and appeal statements.
- Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills, including handling complex or challenging stakeholder discussions.
- Ability to assess and evaluate complex and often conflicting information.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to collect, analyse, and interpret planning data.
- Political awareness and sensitivity.
- Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
Additional Information
Location: Maidstone House, Maidstone
Hours per Week: 37 hours
Pay: Bi-weekly
3 Days Remote, 2 In Office
Senior Planning Officer in Maidstone employer: Humanify360
As a Senior Planning Officer with the local authority, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the future of the Borough. The role offers a supportive work culture that values professional development and mentorship, ensuring you have the opportunity to grow your skills while making a meaningful impact on the community. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to continuous improvement, this position is ideal for those seeking a rewarding career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer in Maidstone
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
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If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Officer in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Humanify360
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Humanify360.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Humanify360 that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
