Planning Officer in Rayleigh

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Planning Officer to join a growing compliance and property-focused organisation on a fully remote basis. Reporting to the Head of Certification and Licencing, you will play a key role in reviewing the planning compliance of residential properties, advising on planning legislation, and supporting the wider compliance function across a varied property portfolio. This position would suit someone with experience in planning, housing, property compliance, or the built environment who is confident managing multiple priorities and providing practical planning advice in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and advise on planning applications, conversions, Lawful Development Certificates, and permitted development matters
• Assess the planning compliance of existing and prospective properties
• Advise on change of use, occupancy classifications, conservation areas, and listed building consents
• Produce accurate reports and recommendations in line with current planning legislation
• Liaise with internal compliance, certification, and property teams
• Support responses to external and Home Office-related queries
• Assist with planning-related training across the wider business
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance documentation is up to date
• Monitor planning changes and advise management on portfolio impacts

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths
• Relevant qualification or demonstrable experience within planning, housing, property compliance, or the built environment

Essential Experience

• Proven experience working within planning and housing legislation
• Experience working with listed buildings and conservation areas
• Experience completing or advising on planning applications from a practical perspective
• Experience with property licencing and certification
• Strong administrative and coordination experience within a busy environment
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders both remotely and in person
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively
• Experience handling high volumes of verbal and written enquiries professionally
• Strong Microsoft Office skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience managing shared inboxes and maintaining accurate records

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Excellent organisational and workload management skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Solution-focused approach with strong customer service awareness
• Confident problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Professional and friendly telephone manner
• Positive, enthusiastic, and adaptable approach

Desirable

• Experience in data analysis and reporting
• Awareness of compliance requirements including Health & Safety, GDPR, and Safeguarding
• Experience working within housing, property, or compliance-led environments

Benefits

• Fully remote working
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Westfield Health membership
• Life cover
• Pension contribution
• Equipment provided for home working
• Referral scheme

If you're looking for a rewarding role, please apply with your up-to-date CV (preferably in Word format) along with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role or email Lucy at for further information. The successful applicant will be subject to Disclosure checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service. This role is not open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer withdrawn.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.