Graduate Planner (Development Management) in London

You will be joining an organisation whose work is helping to shape the future of one of London’s most iconic places. The Oxford Street Development Corporation has been established to lead the long-term regeneration and transformation of Oxford Street and its surrounding area to deliver a world-class public realm and safer, cleaner streets, and to support high-quality development, culture and economic activity that keeps the area thriving.

You will be joining a rapidly growing organisation fully dedicated to restoring Oxford Street to its former glory and to shape its exciting next chapter.

About the role

The Oxford Street Development Corporation is establishing a new planning service for one of Central London’s most significant and high-profile locations. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career planner to help support the delivery of a new, proactive and design-led Local Planning Authority. As Graduate Planning Officer / Planning Officer, you will support the Development Management team in handling planning applications, pre-application enquiries, planning research, site analysis, consultation processes and related casework. You will work alongside experienced planners and specialists, helping to ensure that proposals are assessed clearly, fairly and efficiently.

The OSDC area includes a nationally important commercial, cultural, retail and historic environment, with significant opportunities for regeneration, public realm improvement, inclusive design, heritage enhancement and high-quality development. This role will give you the opportunity to develop your planning skills in a fast-moving and high-profile environment, while contributing to outcomes that will shape the future of Oxford Street and its surrounding area.

Working as part of the Development Management team, you will support senior officers, contribute to high-quality reports and advice, liaise with applicants and stakeholders, and help the planning service operate effectively from day one.

What your day will look like:

• Support the processing and assessment of planning applications, pre-application enquiries and related development management casework.
• Assist with site visits, planning history checks, policy research, consultation reviews and case analysis.
• Prepare draft reports, correspondence, briefing notes, consultation summaries and planning assessments under supervision.
• Help assess proposals against relevant planning policy, design, heritage, sustainability, accessibility, transport, amenity and public realm considerations.
• Liaise with applicants, agents, residents, businesses, statutory consultees, local authorities and internal colleagues in a professional and helpful way.
• Support Planning Committee preparation, including report checking, presentation material, briefing notes and follow-up actions.
• Help maintain accurate records, update case management systems, monitor deadlines and support good customer service.
• Contribute to wider service improvement, templates, guidance, procedures and the preparation of the OSDC Local Plan where required.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Degree-level qualification in planning, urban studies, geography, architecture, regeneration, built environment or another relevant discipline.
• An interest in development management, urban regeneration, design quality, public realm, heritage, sustainability and place shaping.
• Some understanding of the planning system, including planning applications, national planning policy, the London Plan, local planning policy and the role of a Local Planning Authority.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate and well-structured advice.
• Good analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to manage tasks, deadlines and competing priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, applicants, consultees and stakeholders, while demonstrating good judgement, curiosity and a commitment to public service.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

OSDC staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening. The GLA is proud to be a Level 2: Disability Confident employer. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive and accessible organisation, and creating a truly inclusive and accessible workplace and culture for our disabled staff. We have named Disability Equality as a key corporate priority within our EDI Strategy. We welcome and encourage applications from disabled applicants. Should you wish to opt into the scheme, please let us know during your application.