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- Tasks: Lead exciting planning projects and negotiate positive development outcomes.
- Company: Join Lambeth Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation in South London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Lambeth's future while developing your planning career.
- Qualifications: RTPI-recognised degree and experience in development management required.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on equality, inclusivity, and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Career Graded to PO3 £47,925 rising in annual increments £51,228 pa inc LW. The post's salary attracts a market supplement of 7% per month. 12 Months Secondment Opportunity / Fixed Term Contract and Full Time.
About Us
It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council, we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth's communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan 'Our Future, Our Lambeth'. To deliver on these ambitions, we have embarked on our transformational One Lambeth Programme ensuring we are 'connected by purpose,' in everything we do to deliver excellence. We are proud to have recently developed a refreshed set of One Lambeth Values and Behaviours that were developed for staff by staff; Equity, Ambition, Kindness, and Accountability.
About the Borough
Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community. With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment.
About the Team
The role sits in our Development Management team and provides a perfect opportunity for successful candidates to thrive and progress in their planning career developing important skills on exciting and challenging planning applications. There are three Area Teams within Development Management, each covering a number of diverse wards across the Borough and a wide range of application types and scale. The Team also works closely with the Digital Innovation Team who are integral to the digital development and architecture of the future Planning system heading up Plan X, Back Office Planning System, the Digital Site Notices and other related key innovative digital projects. This position offers an opportunity to join our dynamic management team and be at the forefront of developing new and innovative working practices. We are looking for an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Senior Planning Officer to be part of our team. We are forward thinking in approach towards equality, inclusivity, and diversity and pride ourselves on flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
About the Role
We have a 12-month Fixed Term Contract, Senior Planning Officer opportunity within our Development Management service. The successful candidate needs to negotiate the best possible development outcomes in a positive, and solutions led manner and help deliver a high-performing service. The postholder will work in a matrix way, being an integral part of the Development Management Team through dealing effectively with pre-applications, planning applications and appeals and supporting. This role will involve dual processing applications through both the existing system (Uniform/Idox) and the future Planning system (Plan X, Back Office Planning System (BOPS)), testing the tools including providing data and feedback to further develop their user centred design, as directed, and working collaboratively with the Digital Innovation team. The successful candidate will be expected to present applications to the Planning Applications Committee, and to ensure reports and other documents prepared are of a high standard.
Qualifications & Expectations
- Thorough knowledge of all relevant planning legislation, policies and procedures.
- An RTPI-recognised degree level qualification in Town Planning or equivalent.
- Eligible for Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
- Experience of development management work with responsibility for dealing with a planning application caseload that includes major and/or complex applications.
- Experience of providing advice to Councillors, senior officers, developers and the public on all aspects of planning applications and related matters.
- Experience of providing supervision and/or guidance to more junior staff to ensure that applications are reported in line with target dates and in accordance with agreed procedures.
- Able to demonstrate a track record of, and a genuine enthusiasm for, service improvement, user centred design, research and analysis to improve outcomes, and business processes improvement.
- Focuses on people.
- Works Collaboratively.
- Demonstrates One Lambeth Values.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification in hyperlink below.
Additional Information
You will be required to undertake a Cifas check. Further information about Cifas can be found here Cifas.
Contact Information
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Kiri Shuttleworth at KShuttleworth@lambeth.gov.uk.
Recruitment Timelines
Closing date: 11:59pm Sunday 01 February 2026.
At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role.
We actively support applications from Lambeth Care Leavers.
Senior Planner in London employer: Lambeth Council
Contact Detail:
Lambeth Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning field, especially those connected to Lambeth Council. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lambeth's current projects and challenges. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and how you can contribute to their ambitious plans during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! Since you'll be presenting applications to the Planning Applications Committee, being able to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Lambeth team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you really understand the role of a Senior Planner and what it entails. Dive into the job description and highlight your relevant experience in development management, especially with complex applications. We want to see how your skills align with our ambitions for Lambeth!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your qualifications and experiences that match the requirements listed in the job description. Highlight your RTPI-recognised degree and any relevant planning legislation knowledge. This is your chance to shine!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your opportunity to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Use it to demonstrate your enthusiasm for service improvement and user-centred design. Make sure to connect your past experiences to the One Lambeth Values we hold dear.
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 the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Lambeth Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lambeth Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of planning legislation, policies, and procedures. Brush up on your knowledge of the Lambeth 2030 Plan and One Lambeth Values, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Demonstrate your genuine passion for development management and service improvement. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex applications or improved processes, as this aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Engage Effectively
Prepare to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders, including Councillors, developers, and residents. Think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past to build relationships and communicate effectively.
✨Be Ready for the Digital Shift
Familiarise yourself with digital tools and systems like Uniform/Idox and Plan X. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the digital innovation efforts within the Development Management team, showcasing your adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
