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- Tasks: Manage minor planning applications and lead new submissions in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Carrington West, a leading recruitment firm supporting local authorities across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pay rate of £45 per hour and a modern office environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in town planning while developing your skills in a supportive setting.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in planning or related field preferred; experience with public engagement is a plus.
- Other info: Immediate start available; flexible opportunities for various experience levels.
Senior Planning Officer
Salary – £39,862 to £44,075 (plus £3,000 per annum premia payment, a £3,000 recruitment payment and £1,239 per annum essential car user allowance)
Are you looking for a new career opportunity or to broaden your planning experience with the challenges of working in a District which not only has a thriving economy and pressures for growth, but also covers part of the South Downs National Park, the natural beauty of the Chichester Harbour National Landscape and a rich and varied heritage, including the historicCity of Chichester?
Chichester District is a highly attractive place to live and work, home to many historic towns and villages, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Centred on the historic cathedral city of Chichester, it is a large district stretching from the south coast to the Surrey border and includes a large part of the South Downs National Park and the tranquil Chichester Harbour National Landscape.
We are a busy planning service dealing with a varied range of development management work. This includes providing planning advice; dealing with planning applications and appeals; and planning enforcement. We have three area application teams, including a team that deals specifically with sites within the South Downs National Park (SDNP); a separate enforcement team; and a central administration team. All applications teams deal with a range of major and minor developments.
As a Senior Planning Officer within the SDNP DM team you will deal with an exciting and varied range of proposals, you will be responsible for mentoring junior members of the team, presenting items to Planning Committee and taking a leading role in appeals. You will be expected to demonstrate a high regard for performance, while securing high quality design.
We are looking for planners who can be tasked with securing the highest quality design to protect these important assets, while meeting the growing needs of our communities. You can be assured that you will be joining a team of committed and enthusiastic planners, with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.
The posts are suitable for qualified and experienced planners with excellent communication skills. You should have a minimum of three years post qualification experience. Ideally, we are looking for planners with previous experience of dealing with complex planning applications. Providing excellent customer care is important to us. We are seeking planners who have a desire to develop and learn; are excellent team players; proactive; and committed to meeting the needs of our customers.
So, if you enjoy working with people; have a passion for finding solutions; and want to make a positive difference to people’s lives and our beautiful district, then please get in touch.
For an informal discussion about these positions, please contact: Fjola Stevens (Divisional Manager) fstevens@chichester.gov.uk 01243 534557; John Saunders (Development Manager) jsaunders@chichester.gov.uk 01243 534574
Interviews to take place w/c 2nd March 2026.
Employee benefits include:
- Excellent defined benefits Pension Scheme
- Minimum 26 days holiday going up to 31 days after 5 years (or before with previous service) plus paid Bank Holidays
- Flexi-time (available for most positions) – potential to build up an extra 12 days leave a year
- Flexible working arrangements including working from home and 9-day fortnight options
- Employee Assistance Programme for staff and their relatives
- Cycle to Work Scheme/Car and Cycle Loan Scheme/discounted city centre parking/ Lease Car Scheme
- Health & Wellbeing initiatives including free health checks and free eye tests plus subsidised leisure centre membership
- Payment of your main professional subscription fee.
- Training and development opportunities – including funding of professional qualification training
- Staff Awards Scheme
Chichester District Council has a commitment to Equality of Opportunity in Employment. If you have a disability which makes it difficult for you to complete our application form please contact the HR Section who will assist you.
To apply please click on the \’apply button\’
Closing date: 23rd February 2026.
Attachments
Senior Planning Officer – About the Vacancy – Jan 2026
Senior Planning Officer – Job Profile – Jan 2026
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Senior Planning Officer employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Contact Detail:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the APAS software mentioned in the job description. If you haven't used it before, consider watching tutorial videos or reading up on its features to demonstrate your proactive approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience with local authorities. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've managed your own workload in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to work independently will be crucial, as the job requires minimal supervision.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local authority's recent planning projects and challenges. Being knowledgeable about their current initiatives will show your genuine interest in the role and help you stand out during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in planning, especially any work with minor planning applications. Emphasise your ability to manage a caseload and any familiarity with APAS software.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in the Senior Planning Officer role and how your background aligns with the requirements. Mention your experience working independently and handling workloads with minimal supervision.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a postgraduate degree in planning or regeneration, make it prominent in your application. Also, mention your eligibility for RTPI membership if applicable, as this will strengthen your candidacy.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since experience with the public is preferred, include examples of your communication skills in your application. This could be through previous roles or projects where you interacted with stakeholders or the community.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Planning Regulations
Brush up on local planning regulations and policies relevant to the West Midlands. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Case Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a caseload in previous roles. Highlight your ability to work independently and handle multiple applications efficiently.
✨Familiarise Yourself with APAS Software
If you have experience with APAS or similar software, be ready to discuss it. If not, do some research to understand its functionalities, as this could give you an edge.
✨Engage with Public Interaction Scenarios
Even if public interaction experience isn't essential, think of scenarios where you've dealt with stakeholders or the public. This will demonstrate your communication skills and ability to handle various situations.
