Planning Officer

Discover yourself in Lewisham, where your work makes a meaningful difference to our vibrant and diverse communities. Lewisham is proud of its history and its status as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary. We are committed to shaping inclusive, resilient neighbourhoods with good design.

Lewisham is entering the next phase of its Warmer Homes: Social Housing Fund (SHF) programme, a major initiative to improve comfort, energy efficiency and long-term performance of our homes. Planning will guide applications, ensure high-quality design, and support sustainable retrofit across the borough. This is a two-year fixed-term post providing dedicated planning expertise for the SHF programme while contributing to the wider work of our area teams. Your focus will be on shaping and assessing proposals related to SHF works, helping ensure retrofit schemes meet planning requirements and achieve good outcomes for residents. As the programme progresses, your work will transition toward discharging conditions and supporting delivery completion. You will gain experience across a broad range of planning applications, from award-winning residential extensions to small sites and town centre developments in one of London’s most diverse and dynamic boroughs.

You will manage the full process for planning and related applications, including those connected to SHF schemes. Working as part of a supportive team, you will be responsible for:

• Carrying out consultations, site visits and appraisal of proposals
• Assessing retrofit-related planning submissions, including windows, doors, insulation, external fabric changes, ventilation measures and associated works
• Negotiating amendments to improve design quality, sustainability and resident experience
• Preparing clear, well-reasoned reports with recommendations
• Presenting applications to Planning Committee where required
• Preparing statements for Written Representation Appeals
• Supporting condition discharge during the final phase of the programme, ensuring completed works align with planning expectations

As part of your responsibilities, you will work closely with teams across the Housing and Place Directorates involved in the programme, gaining understanding of the lifecycle of a major retrofit initiative and the role planning plays in shaping sustainable, long-term improvements to the borough’s homes.

You will gain substantial experience in:

• Development management across a varied caseload
• The planning knowledge of large-scale retrofit and building improvement
• Cross-disciplinary working with teams involved in housing delivery, sustainability and climate resilience
• The practical application of planning policy to support healthier, more energy-efficient homes

The council also offers generous benefits, including the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working, family-friendly policies, season ticket and bicycle loans, subsidised gym memberships, and commitment to professional development. This post is an excellent opportunity to build skills in planning while deepening knowledge of sustainable development, retrofit and the evolving challenges of managing ageing housing stock in the context of the climate emergency.

You will have relevant experience in planning or a closely related field, with the ability to manage your own workload and work collaboratively within a team. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as the role involves working closely with applicants, residents, consultants and colleagues across the council.

Good written and verbal communication skills

Strong organisational abilities and attention to detail

A thoughtful, respectful approach to negotiation and casework

An interest in sustainable development, housing quality and the changing demands placed on buildings

An RTPI-accredited qualification is desirable but not essential; relevant experience and a willingness to learn are equally valued.

The role is based at Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU with hybrid working (minimum two days a week in the office).

The successful candidate will ideally hold an RTPI accredited undergraduate or postgraduate degree, but relevant experience is the most important. Occasional weeknight working is required for this job (Planning Committees are held in the evening).

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. Applicant handbook—please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

If you require reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead on this advert. The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.