At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage planning applications and provide expert advice to ensure quality development.
- Company: Dynamic London Local Authority with a focus on community development.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on urban development while enhancing your planning skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or relevant experience; knowledge of UK planning legislation.
The predicted salary is between 45 - 45 £ per hour.
A London Local Authority is seeking a motivated and customer-focused Planning Officer to join its Development Management team. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a busy planning service, managing a varied caseload of applications and contributing to the delivery of high-quality development across the borough.
The Role
As a Planning Officer, you will be responsible for assessing and managing a range of planning applications, providing professional planning advice, and supporting the delivery of an efficient and outcome-focused planning service. You will work closely with applicants, residents, internal departments, statutory consultees, and elected members to ensure planning decisions are robust, timely, and aligned with local and national planning policy.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing a caseload of planning applications, including householder, minor and other development proposals.
- Assessing planning applications and preparing clear, well-reasoned reports and recommendations.
- Undertaking site visits and evaluating proposals against planning policy and relevant legislation.
- Providing pre-application advice to applicants, developers and residents.
- Assisting with planning appeals, including preparing statements and supporting evidence.
- Liaising with internal teams, external stakeholders and statutory consultees throughout the planning process.
- Presenting applications and recommendations at Planning Committee where required.
- Contributing to service improvements and supporting the achievement of performance targets.
- Maintaining accurate records and ensuring applications are processed within statutory timescales.
- Working collaboratively across the Planning Service to deliver positive development outcomes.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A degree-level qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant planning experience.
- Experience working within Development Management, either in a local authority or private sector environment.
- Knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy and development management processes.
- Experience assessing planning applications and preparing professional reports.
- Strong analytical, organisational and decision-making skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively to deadlines.
- A proactive, collaborative and customer-focused approach.
Desirable Experience
- Experience dealing with planning appeals.
- Experience presenting applications at Planning Committee.
- Knowledge of complex planning issues such as Green Belt, heritage and conservation matters.
- Membership of, or eligibility for, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Experience working within a London local authority environment.
Planning Officer in London employer: R Housing
As a Planning Officer with our London Local Authority, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises professional growth and community impact. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working, competitive pay, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful development projects while collaborating with passionate colleagues dedicated to enhancing the borough's planning landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in London
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at R Housing
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from R Housing.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show R Housing that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
