Planning Officer

Planning Officer

Full-Time 33900 - 44400 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Handle planning applications, provide advice, and negotiate with developers.
  • Company: Join Hackney Council, dedicated to serving residents and promoting diversity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in planning with opportunities for growth and community impact.
  • Qualifications: Knowledge of town planning and commitment to RTPI membership required.
  • Other info: Applications close on 29 August 2025; interviews scheduled for W/C 15 September 2025.

The predicted salary is between 33900 - 44400 £ per year.

Job Description

Job number: HCAA02552

Service: Planning and Building Control Service

DBS required: No

Contract type: Permanent

Work pattern: Full Time

Contracted hours: 36

Salary: £39,150 – £44,430

This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring planning officer to start their Development Management career, or a current Development Management Officer who is looking for the next step and to deal with more complex planning applications.

You will be required to work to tight deadlines and service level agreements to ensure we offer an efficient and effective service to our customers. Responsible for handling a wide range of planning applications, the successful candidate will offer pre-application advice, process planning applications and appeals, as well as negotiate with developers and other third parties.

For grade SO1/ 2, candidates will need to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the town planning system and ability to produce written reports to a high standard and be committed to a career pathway for membership to the Royal Town Planning Institute to become a chartered town planner such as entry onto a RTPI course to become a Planning Assistant.

For grade PO1, candidates will need to be eligible for membership to the RTPI – either through obtaining an RTPI accredited degree (minimum of a level 4 Town Planning Assistant

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/town-planning-assistant-v1-0) or by demonstrating 10 years experience or more of working as a town planner.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 29 August 2025.

Interview and assessment date: W/C 15 September 2025.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk

Planning Officer employer: London Borough of Hackney

Hackney Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. As a Planning Officer, you will have the opportunity to engage with complex planning applications while contributing to the community's well-being, all within a dynamic environment that values ambition and proactivity. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on creating a workplace that reflects the community it serves, Hackney Council stands out as a rewarding place to build your career.
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Contact Detail:

London Borough of Hackney Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the town planning system and current legislation. This knowledge will not only help you answer competency-based questions effectively but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to handle complex planning applications and work under tight deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

✨Tip Number 3

Research Hackney Council's values and recent projects. Being able to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Engage with professionals in the field, such as current planning officers or members of the RTPI. Networking can provide valuable insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations or referrals.

We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer

Knowledge of Town Planning System
Report Writing Skills
Negotiation Skills
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Customer Service Skills
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Planning Applications and Appeals
Communication Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Teamwork and Collaboration
Commitment to Professional Development
Familiarity with RTPI Membership Requirements

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Planning Officer position. Make sure you can demonstrate your knowledge of the town planning system and your ability to produce high-quality written reports.

Craft Your Responses: Prepare for the competency-based questions by reflecting on your past experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, ensuring you highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description.

Showcase Your Commitment: Express your commitment to a career in town planning and your aspirations for membership to the Royal Town Planning Institute. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that support your application.

Personal Touch: Avoid using AI tools for your application. Instead, write in your own voice to convey authenticity and personal insight. This will help you stand out as a candidate who values the unique qualities you bring to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney

✨Know Your Planning Principles

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the town planning system. Brush up on relevant legislation and policies, as well as recent case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in handling planning applications.

✨Prepare for Competency Questions

Since the application process includes competency-based questions, think of specific examples from your experience that showcase your skills in planning, negotiation, and report writing. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Planning Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully communicated complex information in the past, whether through written reports or verbal presentations.

✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Professional Development

Demonstrate your ambition to progress in your career by discussing your plans for RTPI membership and any relevant courses or training you intend to pursue. This shows your dedication to the field and your desire to grow within the role.

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