At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse planning applications and deliver high-quality decisions.
- Company: Join Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, a supportive and high-performing planning service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a friendly environment with strong professional relationships and growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Kent while advancing your planning career in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Planning-related degree and experience with complex applications required.
The predicted salary is between 39148 - 39148 £ per year.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is seeking an experienced planner for the role of Senior Planning Officer in Development Management. This position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of planning applications across a borough that features thriving town centres, attractive villages, protected landscapes, and ambitious regeneration projects.
As a Senior Planning Officer, you will:
- Manage a varied caseload of planning applications and appeals.
- Undertake site visits and provide pre-application advice.
- Prepare high-quality reports and recommendations.
- Work closely with applicants, elected Members, consultees, and local communities.
- Assess and determine a wide range of planning applications and related proposals.
- Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee and other meetings.
- Prepare appeal statements and represent the Council where required.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders, and partner organisations.
We are looking for a planning professional who possesses:
- Experience of dealing with technical and complex planning applications.
- Detailed and up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation and guidance.
- Experience of writing reports, presenting recommendations, and managing competing priorities.
- A planning-related degree and eligibility for membership of the RTPI.
- A resilient, collaborative, and professional approach.
This role is ideal for someone looking to progress their planning career while working on a broad and interesting portfolio of applications. Our Development Management team is known for being supportive, friendly, and collaborative.
We offer:
- Salary starting at £39,148, rising to £40,178 after one year and £41,208 after two years, subject to approval.
- 26 days annual leave, increasing to 29 days with qualifying service, plus bank holidays and three additional days in December.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.7% employer contribution.
- Hybrid working up to three days per week following probation, subject to service needs.
- Free staff parking.
- Comprehensive learning, CPD, and career development opportunities.
- Opportunities to progress into Principal Planning Officer and Team Leader roles as they arise.
Join us and help shape the future of one of Kent's most attractive and dynamic boroughs.
Closing Date: 10 September 2026
Interview Date: 22 September 2026
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Senior Planning Officer - Development Management employer: Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is an excellent employer for planning professionals, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that encourages career growth. With a diverse range of planning applications to manage, employees benefit from comprehensive learning opportunities, a generous leave policy, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, all while contributing to the sustainable development of one of Kent's most attractive boroughs.
