Assistant/Graduate/Planning Officer (Career Grade)

London Borough of Hillingdon; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a high-performing Development Management team at a leading local authority. This role offers opportunities for professional growth as you handle various planning applications and provide guidance to stakeholders. Enjoy a supportive environment with a focus on career progression.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Discounts at Leisure Centres

Cycle Purchase Scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Mental Health Support

Qualifications

• Experience in end-to-end planning application process.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or working towards it.

Responsibilities

• Determine a diverse portfolio of planning applications.
• Provide high-quality advice through pre-application service.
• Contribute to planning appeal work.

Skills

Communication

Organisational Skills

ICT Skills

Education

Degree in Town & Country Planning

Diploma in related discipline

Job description

About The Role

Experienced candidates may qualify for a salary increase to a maximum of £45,510 and a grade increase, subject to confirmation during the interview and selection process.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-performing Development Management team. We are recruiting to a career grade role and will appoint at Assistant Planner, Graduate Planner, or Planning Officer level depending on your qualifications and practical experience.

This role is ideal for ambitious, capable individuals eager to progress in their planning careers. You’ll benefit from the support of a highly experienced and friendly team while gaining hands-on experience across a wide variety of planning applications and appeals.

You Will

• Determine a diverse portfolio of planning applications, from householder to minor and (depending on experience) major developments
• Provide high-quality advice through our pre-application service
• Offer general guidance to residents, applicants, agents, councillors, and colleagues
• Contribute to planning appeal work, including preparing submissions to the Planning Inspectorate
• This role will provide a strong foundation for your professional growth and development in planning

About You

We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about planning and delivering great outcomes for our communities.

You Should Have

• A degree or diploma in Town & Country Planning or a related discipline (e.g., geography, architecture, construction, or design) at graduate or postgraduate level
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or be working towards it
• Experience in the end-to-end planning application process, ideally within a local authority setting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise reports
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively
• A positive, proactive approach and willingness to engage with residents, communities, and stakeholders
• Strong ICT skills, including the ability to learn and use service-specific software

A full UK driving licence is essential for this role.

For further information or an informal discussion about the role, please contact Chris Brady - Area Planning Team Leader - Central and South ([e-mail]).

We reserve the right to close the recruitment process before the advertised date.

About Us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

Work Life Balance

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full-time staff
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – You will receive a minimum of 26 days annual leave each year, in addition to bank holidays. This entitlement increases to a maximum of 37 days after 10 years of service

Health & Wellbeing

• Hillingdon Sport Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council-owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough
• Cycle Purchase Scheme – Promote eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme
• Discount on Golf Fees – Enjoy up to 30% discounts on green fees at council-owned golf courses
• Financial Benefits – Secure your future with access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits
• Eye Care – We contribute towards eye tests and lenses for Display Screen Equipment
• Mental Health Support – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues
• Support and Counselling Services – Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family

Commute with Ease

• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This means that all employees, job applicants, and others who work for us will be treated fairly. Our aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents, so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.

We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best, and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Additional Information

Due to an expected high volume of applications, we may close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Closing date: 26 May 2025.