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- Tasks: Manage complex planning applications and lead pre-application discussions.
- Company: Join Wandsworth Borough Council's forward-looking Development Management Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and historic environments.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or related field with RTPI membership eligibility.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality, diversity, and employee development.
The predicted salary is between 40737 - 55992 ÂŁ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Planning Officer to join the Development Management Team in the Growth & Place Directorate at Wandsworth Borough Council.
You will work within one of our Development Management teams covering the east of the borough, including Battersea, Tooting and Balham. The role offers exposure to a diverse and challenging caseload, including major and complex applications, pre-application advice, planning appeals and committee work, often involving high-profile and sensitive proposals.
Wandsworth’s planning service is busy, forward-looking and committed to delivering high-quality design, sustainable growth and positive outcomes for local communities and historic built environments.
Responsibilities
- Managing a caseload of complex and sometimes controversial planning applications
- Leading on pre-application discussions and negotiations with applicants and agents
- Preparing high-quality reports and presenting recommendations to Planning Committee
- Working closely with internal colleagues, Members, local communities and external stakeholders
- Contributing to a responsive, customer-focused planning service that meets agreed timeframes
About You
If you are a highly motivated individual with a creative approach to problem solving alongside a “can-do” attitude to improvements in service delivery this could be the role for you!
Essential Qualifications, Skills And Experience
- A degree in planning or a related discipline, with RTPI membership or eligibility for full membership
- Demonstrable experience of managing complex planning applications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public speaking
- The ability to negotiate effectively and make sound planning judgements under pressure
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to work positively across teams and disciplines
Closing Date – Monday 11th May (23:59) • Shortlisting – W/C 18th May • Interviews – TBC
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Senior Planner (Development Management) employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner (Development Management)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Wandsworth Borough Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to planning and development management. We suggest role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable with articulating your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of specific examples from your past work where you tackled complex planning issues. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the diverse caseload mentioned in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Wandsworth.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner (Development Management)
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 we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in managing complex applications and effective communication can benefit our team. We want to see real examples of your work!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your reports and recommendations are easy to read and understand.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We may close the vacancy early if we receive enough applications, so get yours in through our website as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning regulations and local policies, especially those relevant to Wandsworth. Familiarise yourself with recent high-profile cases in the area, as this will show your understanding of the local context and your ability to handle complex applications.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent written and verbal communication is key for this role, prepare to discuss your experience in report writing and public speaking. Bring examples of reports you've prepared or presentations you've delivered, and be ready to explain how you effectively communicate with various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated outcomes in challenging situations. Be prepared to discuss your approach to pre-application discussions and how you manage to balance the needs of applicants with community interests.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires a collaborative approach, so think about times when you've worked positively across teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've built relationships with colleagues, members, and external stakeholders to achieve successful planning outcomes.