Assistant Planning Officer / Graduate Planning Officer / Planning Officer

London Borough of Hillingdon; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Greater London is seeking a Planning Officer to join their Development Management team. In this role, you will manage a case-load of planning applications and contribute to a service that processes over 4000 submissions annually. The ideal candidate will have a relevant qualification in Town & Country Planning and possess outstanding communication skills. The position offers flexible working hours, generous holiday entitlement, and various health and wellbeing benefits to ensure a fulfilling career.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Work Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Discounts at leisure centres

Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme

Mental Health Support

Qualifications

• Experience as a planner/planning assistant in a Local Government setting.
• Proven ability to manage a case-load of planning applications.
• Full driving licence is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage a case-load of planning and related applications.
• Process residential and commercial pre-application enquiries.
• Prepare professional appeal statements and act as lead witness.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Proven customer service skills

Strong ICT skills

Knowledge of current planning legislation

Ability to write reports clearly

Education

Diploma or Degree in Town & Country Planning

Tools

Service specific software

Job description

About us

At Hillingdon we’re proud of our commitment of ‘Putting our residents first’, ensuring they’re at the heart of everything we do! We want to attract talented individuals like yourself who share our aspirations for the borough and can support us to deliver exceptional services for Hillingdon.

With an ambitious strategy we pride ourselves on delivering services that improve the lives of all our residents, businesses, and partners. Embarking on a journey of continuous improvement, we’ve set an agenda to ensure the provision of; safer communities, a thriving local economy, a greener more sustainable environment, whilst increasing our digital capabilities.

Working at London’s second largest borough can be tough, particularly with government reforms, budget restrictions, and political attention – but it’s enough to keep us busy and ensures no two days are the same!

What does a Planning Officer do at Hillingdon?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a high performing and friendly Development Management team.

As a Planning Officer at Hillingdon, you will be responsible for managing your own case-load of planning and related applications, making a vital contribution to a Planning Service which processes over 4000 planning submissions every year. You will be dealing with a varied mix of applications, which will include householder applications, certificates of lawfulness, listed building consent applications, prior approvals through to complex minor applications.

In addition to the above, post holders will be required to process and case manage residential and commercial pre-application enquiries, prepare professional appeal statements and act as the Council’s lead witness in informal hearings where required.

This is a career graded position, meaning that consideration will also be given to appointing to Assistant (S01) grade or Graduate (S02) grade for an outstanding candidate that meets those requirements, but does not yet meet the criteria for Planning Officer (POA) grade.

For further information, or an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ed Laughton – Area Planning Service Manager – Central and South ().

About you

To be considered for appointment as a Planning Officer (grade POA) or Graduate Planning Officer (grade S02) candidates should have a Diploma or Degree in a Town & Country Planning RTPI accredited course at graduate or post graduate level. Candidates that are actively working towards completion of such a Diploma / Degree may be considered for appointment at Assistant Planning Officer grade (S01).

As an essential part of a high performing Development Management team, your focus will be on results. You will need excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write reports clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences.

Candidates must have proven customer service skills, in addition to excellent ICT skills and the ability to learn and use service specific software.

Candidates seeking to be appointed at Planning Officer grade (POA) must be able to demonstrate prior experience working as a planner / planning assistant, ideally within a Local Government setting. Candidates at all levels must have a sound knowledge of current planning related legislation.

A full driving licence is an essential requirement for the role.

For full details of the essential criteria for the role, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

What we offer

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 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 Equality Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences of all individuals, and we believe that our workforce should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

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. We recognise the value of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups.

Join us in building a workplace where diversity is not only embraced but also celebrated, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Additional Information

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Applicants should be aware that the post will only be offered to successful candidates subject to an Enhanced DBScheck as well as other employment clearances.

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