At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape London's largest regeneration project by managing diverse planning applications.
- Company: Join the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, a key player in urban development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive salary paid every four weeks.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while developing your career in planning.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree and RTPI membership eligibility required; experience with major applications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the role
Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Planner to join its Development Management team in the Planning Directorate. This is your opportunity to help shape Old Oak and Park Royal, London’s largest Opportunity Area and one of the most exciting and ambitious regeneration projects in the UK. OPDC is leading the planning and regeneration of this emerging new district with the potential to deliver many thousands of new homes and jobs over the coming years.
What we’re looking for
We have an exciting opportunity for a talented individual to join our Development Management team as a Senior Planner on a permanent contract, to help resource an expanding workload associated with increased planning and development activity in the area. The successful candidate will have a varied caseload comprising a range of planning applications and pre‑application proposals for major residential, mixed‑use and industrial developments, post‑permission matters including the discharge of conditions and Section 106 obligations, as well as some smaller commercial and householder applications. Working within a close‑knit team, you will be expected to work proactively on your own caseload, prepare reports for decision under delegated authority and by OPDC’S Planning Committee, and respond to enquiries from the public, providing advice and guidance on the Corporation’s planning processes and implementation of policies within the OPDC Local Plan.
You will possess a relevant degree and be eligible for RTPI membership. You will be able to demonstrate successful experience in a similar role and will have a good understanding of the working environment of a local planning authority. Demonstrable experience of dealing with large‑scale major applications is desirable. You will also have an excellent understanding of the local, regional and national planning policy context and legislative framework. You believe strongly in working flexibly as part of a team to get the job done and are confident in your technical expertise and experience to proactively manage your own workload and deliver successful outcomes.
Principal accountabilities of the role include:
- Working on a range of major and/or complex planning applications, ensuring that they are dealt with in accordance with agreed performance targets.
- Managing your own caseload of planning applications and pre‑application proposals, as delegated by the Head of Planning Development.
- Preparing written reports for decision both under delegated authority and by the Planning Committee.
- Working across professional boundaries and OPDC directorates to contribute to the wider success of the Corporation.
- Building and maintaining relationships with internal and external contacts, to represent the Development Management function, and the wider Corporation in a positive, professional and engaging way.
Equity, 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. OPDC staff are hybrid working at least 2 days a week in our offices in North Acton. You will therefore 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 with the option to add to build up pension benefits with a separate provider alongside your LGPS pension via additional voluntary contributions.
Learning and development
At OPDC we are dedicated to empowering team members through ongoing learning opportunities and professional development initiatives. Our commitment to learning and development means that we will provide you with the resources and support to expand your skills and grow your career.
Additional Information
Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.
Senior Planning Officer in London employer: London Gov
Contact Detail:
London Gov Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning sector, especially those connected to OPDC. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local planning policies and recent developments in the area. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with OPDC's goals and the exciting projects they have underway.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed complex planning applications in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the varied caseload expected in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Senior Planner role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what OPDC is looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; explain how your past experiences have prepared you for this position. Focus on your work with major planning applications and any relevant projects you've managed.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your sentences straightforward and avoid jargon. We want to see your expertise without getting lost in complicated language.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Gov
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on local, regional, and national planning policies before your interview. Being able to discuss how these policies apply to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed complex planning applications. Highlight your experience with major residential or mixed-use developments, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be ready to share instances where you've collaborated effectively with others. Discuss how you’ve built relationships across different departments to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the OPDC's current projects and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their ambitious regeneration goals.