At a Glance
- Tasks: Review planning applications and support sustainable growth across the South West.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry professionals and shape the future of infrastructure.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment through strategic planning.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and experience in a planning environment required.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes. We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future.
Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
Developer Services | Exeter OR Bristol | Hybrid Working
Help shape sustainable growth across the South West. Are you an experienced planning professional looking for an opportunity to influence development and infrastructure delivery across one of the UK's most diverse regions? South West Water is seeking a Planning Officer to join our Pre-Development Team, playing a key role in supporting sustainable growth and ensuring new development is aligned with the capacity and strategic objectives of our water and wastewater networks.
This is an exciting opportunity to apply your planning expertise within a unique infrastructure environment, working on a wide range of residential, commercial and strategic development proposals across the South West.
As a Planning Officer, you'll work closely with local planning authorities, developers, consultants and internal technical specialists, providing planning advice and representing South West Water's interests within the planning process.
What you'll be doing:
- Reviewing planning applications and development proposals, assessing potential impacts on water and wastewater infrastructure.
- Preparing representations and consultation responses on behalf of South West Water.
- Providing planning advice to internal and external stakeholders on development and infrastructure matters.
- Engaging with local planning authorities, developers, landowners, consultants and customers.
- Supporting pre-application discussions and strategic development proposals.
- Monitoring and reviewing emerging planning policy, local plans and development frameworks.
- Representing South West Water at planning meetings, stakeholder forums and consultations where required.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across Developer Services, Asset Protection, Growth and Network Planning teams.
- Supporting the delivery of sustainable growth through effective planning and infrastructure coordination.
What we're looking for:
- We're looking for an experienced planning professional who can confidently manage a varied caseload and build effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
- Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- Demonstrable experience within a planning environment, ideally within local government, consultancy, utilities or infrastructure sectors.
- Good understanding of the UK planning system, development management and planning policy.
- Experience reviewing planning applications and preparing professional planning responses or advice.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
Desirable:
- RTPI membership or working towards Chartered status.
- Experience of infrastructure planning, utilities, development promotion or growth strategies.
- Knowledge of planning legislation, local plan preparation or major development projects.
- Experience engaging with developers, statutory consultees and planning authorities.
Why join us?
Join South West Water and play a key role in shaping sustainable development across the South West. You'll have the opportunity to work on significant growth and infrastructure projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and contribute to decisions that directly support communities, economic growth and environmental resilience.
In return, we offer: Hybrid working with regular visibility in our Exeter or Bristol office. Generous holiday allowance plus.
Planning Officer in London employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee health and wellbeing. With a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, our Occupational Health and Wellbeing Lead will have the unique opportunity to shape impactful programmes while enjoying generous benefits, including 30 days of annual leave. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees and the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at South West Water.
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How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at South West Water, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
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Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
