At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape sustainable development and manage diverse planning applications in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a supportive and inclusive workplace committed to community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a modern office in the heart of Reading.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and mentorship in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your planning career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Planning or related field; strong communication and analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28142 - 47181 £ per year.
- Reading Borough Council
- 37 hours per week – Full Time – Fixed term for 18 months
- Fixed term
- Full time
- Temporary
- Reading
- Posted 6 days ago
- Closes: 19 July 2026
We’re looking for ambitious and motivated Planning Officer or Senior Planning Officer to join our Planning Team.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping sustainable, high-quality development and making a real difference to our communities.
Whether you’re early in your planning career or an experienced Senior Planner, we offer a supportive environment and varied caseload.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success.
Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
We support hybrid working; it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.
About the Role
- Planning Officer – RG4 SCP11 to RG5 SCP25 – £28,142 to £36,363 per year
- Senior Planning Officer – RG5 SCP25 to RG7b SCP36 – £36,363 to £47,181 per year
At Reading Borough Council, you’ll work on an exciting mix of development proposals in a place that’s continually evolving.
As part of our Planning Team, you’ll manage a varied caseload of planning applications, working closely with residents, developers, elected Members and colleagues across the Council to deliver positive planning outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Manage a diverse caseload ranging from householder applications through to complex minor and straightforward major developments.
- Assess planning applications and undertake site visits.
- Prepare high-quality delegated and committee reports with clear, well-reasoned recommendations.
- Provide pre-application advice and negotiate with applicants to achieve high-quality development.
- Prepare appeal statements and represent the Council where appropriate.
- Provide planning advice to residents and customers through our duty planning service.
- Contribute to delivering an efficient, customer-focused planning service.
- Senior Planning Officer Responsibilities
- Manage more complex and politically sensitive planning applications.
- Present applications at Planning Committee.
- Mentor and support junior colleagues.
- Lead negotiations on larger schemes and contribute to service improvements.
About You
We’re looking for enthusiastic planners who are passionate about creating sustainable places and delivering excellent customer service.
Requirements
- A recognised degree in Planning (or a related subject) or working towards one.
- Eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Strong analytical, written and communication skills.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- A collaborative approach and commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
- For Senior Planning Officer appointments, significant Development Management experience and the confidence to manage more complex applications with minimal supervision.
Benefits
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On‑site day nursery rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme – lease a brand new, greener car for three years; the monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer / Senior Planning Officer in Reading
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We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer / Senior Planning Officer in Reading
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