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- Tasks: Shape and assess proposals for improving homes in Lewisham's Warmer Homes programme.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, committed to enhancing community living and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a pension scheme, gym memberships, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing quality and sustainability in a vibrant, diverse borough.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or related fields; strong communication and teamwork skills required.
- Other info: Gain valuable experience across various planning applications while contributing to community well-being.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lewisham is entering the next phase of its Warmer Homes: Social Housing Fund (SHF) programme, a major initiative aimed at improving the comfort, energy efficiency and long-term performance of our homes. This is a two-year fixed term post designed to provide dedicated planning expertise for the SHF programme while contributing to the wider work of area teams. Your focus will be on shaping and assessing proposals associated with SHF works, helping ensure that retrofit schemes meet planning requirements and achieve good outcomes for residents. As the programme moves into its later stages, your work will transition toward discharging conditions and supporting the completion of the delivery phase. You will gain experience across a broad range of planning applications, from award-winning residential extensions to small sites and town centre developments, within one of London’s most diverse and dynamic boroughs. The post has a fixed term of two years and offers opportunities for development within the council structure.
Responsibilities
- 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
- Working closely with teams across the Housing and Place Directorates involved in the programme to understand the lifecycle of a major retrofit initiative and the role planning plays in shaping sustainable, long-term improvements to the borough’s homes
- 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
Benefits
The council also offers generous benefits, including a Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working, family-friendly policies, season ticket and bicycle loans, subsidised gym memberships, and a strong commitment to professional development.
Qualifications
- 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 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)
Discover yourself in Lewisham, where your work makes a meaningful difference to our vibrant and diverse communities. Lewisham is proud of its long history of welcoming people from all over the world and its recognition as the UK's first Borough of Sanctuary.
Planning Officer in Blackheath employer: Lewisham
Contact Detail:
Lewisham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in Blackheath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning field. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with planning applications and sustainable development. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's current projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about Lewisham’s Warmer Homes programme will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to improve housing quality in the borough.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in Blackheath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Planning Officer role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in planning, negotiation, and communication will benefit our Warmer Homes programme. We want to see real examples of your work!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your sentences straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured reports, so show us you can write clearly and effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your planning knowledge, especially around retrofit schemes and sustainable development. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the Warmer Homes: Social Housing Fund programme, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas in the past, whether through reports or presentations, to demonstrate your strong interpersonal skills.
✨Be Ready for Negotiation Scenarios
Think about past experiences where you've had to negotiate or resolve conflicts. Prepare to discuss these situations during the interview, highlighting your respectful approach and how you achieved positive outcomes for all parties involved.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Given the varied caseload you'll manage, be prepared to talk about how you prioritise tasks and stay organised. Share specific strategies or tools you use to keep track of your workload, ensuring you convey your attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
