At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing the Horsham District Local Plan and conduct site assessments.
- Company: Join the friendly Horsham District Council and shape the future of your community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous benefits package.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local development and policies in an exciting growth area.
- Qualifications: Degree level education with planning qualification or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 30000 £ per year.
Horsham District Council is looking for a Planning Officer to assist with the preparation of the Horsham District Local Plan. Horsham District is a key area for new development and growth in West Sussex, which means that this is an exciting time to join our busy planning policy team. Our current local plan is at examination, and you will have an opportunity to get involved in this process. The Council is also commencing the preparation of a new local plan under the recently implemented planning regulations. There will therefore also be further opportunities to work develop new planning policies and consider future development sites that will shape the future of this area.
As a Planning Officer you will undertake site assessments, evidence‑based preparation and public consultation events. You will also liaise with development management colleagues to provide support and advice in relation to planning applications and prepare responses to government or other organisations consultations.
About you
To succeed as a Planning Officer, you will be educated to degree level with a planning qualification or equivalent experience. You will be an excellent communicator, able to display a high standard of written work and an ability to communicate with a range of people from different backgrounds, including ethnic, social and professional, both verbally and in writing. You will also have excellent research and analytical skills and be able to work as part of a team or on your own initiative. Good time management and organisational skills are also essential. Site Assessments, monitoring and research requires occasional site visits. Therefore, a full driving licence and access to a vehicle is required to be successful in this role.
About us
We have a friendly and supportive working environment and being a smaller Council, you can really get to know everybody. We encourage and support our employees to have a healthy work life balance by offering 28 days (207.2 hours) of annual leave plus bank holidays (pro‑rata), and flexible/hybrid working options. The policy team works flexibly, generally spending half our time in the office, half working from home. We do not have set working-from-home days and flexibility is required to come in on any day of the week if required to support the work of the team. We offer a generous benefits package including an online platform offering discounts from online retailers and access to a car lease scheme. Staff are also eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), where the Council contributes circa 20% of pensionable salary. To support employees’ professional development the Council provides reimbursement for professional subscriptions and a number of training opportunities, including extensive in‑house learning resources, short courses, Apprenticeships, and qualifications such as Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), Master of Business Administration (MBA).
To apply
If you would like to apply for the role, we highly recommend you show clearly within the ‘Experience Section’ of the application form how you meet the essential criteria detailed within the Role Profile when applying. If you do not make this clear, it is unlikely you will be shortlisted for interview. Internal applicants, if you would like to apply for the role, please submit an expression of interest to HR@horsham.gov.uk explaining clearly how you meet the criteria and what you feel you can bring to the role.
Ref: P1759
Hours per week: 37
Closing date: 15th June 2026 at 12.00
Interview date: 29 June - 10 July 2026
Planning Officer in Horsham employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Horsham District Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where employees can truly connect with their colleagues. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, generous leave entitlements, and flexible working options, the Council prioritises employee well-being while providing ample opportunities for professional growth through training and development programmes. Joining our planning policy team means being part of a dynamic organisation that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Horsham District, making it a rewarding place to work.
Contact Details:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Horsham District Council and its planning policy team. Understanding their current projects and challenges will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Planning Officer, you'll need to communicate with a variety of people. Try doing mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on how you explain complex planning concepts in simple terms.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've used research and analysis in previous roles. Think about specific projects where your insights made a difference, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily highlight how you meet the essential criteria.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience:Make sure to clearly highlight how your experience aligns with the essential criteria in the 'Experience Section' of the application form. We want to see what you've done and how it relates to the role!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read, so avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your responses to reflect the specific skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the Planning Officer role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to personalise their applications.
Check Your Work:Before hitting submit, give your application a thorough proofread. Spelling and grammar mistakes can distract from your qualifications, and we want to see your best work. A polished application shows attention to detail!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the current local plan and any new planning regulations. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Planning Officer, you'll need to communicate with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past, both verbally and in writing, to demonstrate your skills.
✨Demonstrate Research and Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with site assessments and evidence-based preparation. Bring examples of past projects where your research and analytical skills made a difference, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Initiative
This role requires both teamwork and the ability to work independently. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with others or taken the initiative on a project, and be prepared to share those stories during the interview.
