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- Tasks: Shape the future of Central London by assessing complex planning applications.
- Company: Westminster City Council, a key player in urban development.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive team environment, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in one of the UK's most dynamic urban environments.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and knowledge of UK planning law required.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with access to various roles across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for an experienced Local Authority Senior Planning Officer in Central London.
Westminster City Council is seeking an experienced Senior Planning Officer / Planning Officer to play a key role within the Development Planning service. This position is central to supporting high-profile, complex and sensitive planning work across one of the most dynamic and high-value urban environments in the UK.
Working within the Place Shaping and Town Planning Directorate, the postholder will assess a wide range of planning applications, provide authoritative professional advice, and help shape the future of the city. This role requires a strong understanding of planning legislation, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assess a broad range of planning applications under the Planning Acts, with a particular focus on complex or strategically significant cases.
- Prepare high-quality professional reports and recommendations to Planning Committee, or for delegated decision by senior officers.
- Apply relevant legislation, regulations, national guidance, and Westminster’s City Plan and planning policies.
- Attend and lead on sensitive meetings with Councillors, Chief Officers, major landowners, developers, resident groups, amenity societies, BIDs and other stakeholders.
- Represent the service at internal and external meetings, maintaining a high professional profile.
- Deputise for the Area Planning Officer as required, supporting the management of team workloads and overall service delivery.
Candidate Requirements:
- Strong, up-to-date knowledge of UK planning law and the planning system.
- Understanding of urban design and conservation issues.
- Ability to collaborate effectively as part of wider project teams, making high-quality technical contributions.
- Ability to build positive working relationships and contribute to a supportive and high-performing team environment.
Qualifications:
- Degree or Diploma in Town Planning or a related discipline (essential).
- Eligibility for Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) (desirable).
This is a contract role and you will need to have experience in a similar role.
Local Authority Senior Planning Officer, Central London employer: Vitalis
Contact Detail:
Vitalis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Authority Senior Planning Officer, Central London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the planning sector! Attend local events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your knowledge of UK planning law and your experience with complex cases. We want to see how you can bring value to the team!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Before any interview, research the council and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals. Practise common interview questions related to planning and stakeholder management so you can impress them with your confidence.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only makes the process smoother but also gives you a better chance of landing that dream role in planning.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Authority Senior Planning Officer, Central London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Planning Officer role. Highlight your experience with planning applications and stakeholder management, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of UK planning law and urban design in your application. We want to see that you’re up-to-date with relevant legislation and can apply it effectively.
Be Professional and Clear: When writing your reports or recommendations, clarity is crucial. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically to reflect your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vitalis
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the latest UK planning laws and regulations. Being able to discuss specific legislation relevant to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re ready to tackle complex cases head-on.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves interacting with various stakeholders, practice how you would approach sensitive meetings. Think about potential questions or concerns they might raise and prepare your responses. This will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships effectively.
✨Showcase Your Report Writing Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in preparing professional reports. Bring examples if possible, and be prepared to explain how you ensure clarity and quality in your recommendations. This is crucial for the role, so make it a focal point in your interview.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Highlight your experience working within project teams. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to team success and how you handle challenges. This will show that you can thrive in a supportive and high-performing environment, which is key for this position.