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- Tasks: Shape and assess proposals for energy-efficient housing improvements in a dynamic borough.
- Company: Lewisham Council, committed to sustainable development and community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous pension scheme, subsidised gym memberships, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable planning experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or related fields; strong communication and organisational skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to improving housing quality and sustainability.
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 employer: Lewisham
Contact Detail:
Lewisham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer
✨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
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role by discussing how your skills can contribute to the Warmer Homes programme. Tailor your answers to reflect our values and goals!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in planning and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the Planning Officer role.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make your dream job a reality!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer
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 and collaboration can contribute to our Warmer Homes programme. We want to see real examples of your work and how it relates to the responsibilities outlined.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured reports, so show us you can communicate effectively right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily!
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 and building improvement. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the Warmer Homes: Social Housing Fund programme, as well as any relevant planning policies that could come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be prepared to demonstrate your strong interpersonal skills. Think of examples where you've successfully negotiated or communicated complex ideas clearly, as this will show you can handle the collaborative nature of the job.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss real-life scenarios related to assessing planning submissions or negotiating design improvements. Practise articulating your thought process and how you would approach these situations, as it will highlight your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
✨Express Your Passion for Sustainability
This role is all about improving housing quality and sustainability. Be ready to share your thoughts on sustainable development and how it impacts communities. Showing genuine interest in these areas will resonate well with the interviewers and align with the council's values.
