P112 Planning / Senior Planning Officer

Charnwood Borough Council; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking Planning Officers to join a skilled development management team in Leicester. The role involves handling a varied caseload of planning applications and collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve government targets. Candidates should have recent development management experience, strong report writing skills, and a proactive mindset. This position offers clear career progression opportunities linked to RTPI membership, alongside a competitive salary and benefits including hybrid working options and professional development support.

Benefits

Hybrid working options

Flexible hours

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a varied caseload of planning applications.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
• Commitment to progressing through RTPI membership linked career progression.

Responsibilities

• Manage a busy caseload and meet government targets.
• Supervise a Planning Assistant when managing complex applications.
• Engage with councillors, developers, and communities.

Skills

Recent experience in development management

Strong report writing and case handling skills

Excellent communication and negotiation abilities

Proactive, solution-focused mindset

Commitment to outstanding customer service

Valid UK driving licence

Job description

About the Role

You’ll be part of a skilled development management team, handling a varied caseload of planning applications – from householders to major developments, depending on your experience. You’ll collaborate across departments, with elected members and external partners, gaining valuable experience and making a real impact. This career‑graded post offers a clear path for progression. At the top of the scale, you’ll manage complex applications and supervise a Planning Assistant.

Whether you’re an experienced Planning Officer ready for the next step, or a Senior Planning Officer looking to grow your leadership skills, this role is designed to support your journey. Progression is linked to RTPI membership and defined responsibilities, with clear criteria for advancement to PO1.

We’re seeking three dynamic, motivated and organised planning professionals to manage a busy caseload and meet government targets.

Essential Criteria

• Recent experience in development management
• Strong report writing and case handling skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
• A proactive, solution‑focused mindset
• A commitment to delivering outstanding customer service
• A valid UK driving licence and access to your own transport – essential for site visits across the borough

Why Charnwood?

Charnwood is a dynamic and diverse borough of 180,000 residents, nestled between Leicester, Nottingham and Derby. At its heart is Loughborough – a thriving university town known for its innovation, culture and community spirit. Surrounding it are charming towns and villages set in stunning countryside.

We’re finalising our ambitious new Local Plan, which charts a bold course for growth through sustainable urban extensions, regeneration zones, and the UK’s largest science and enterprise park. Alongside this, we’re developing a Community Infrastructure Levy, a suite of Supplementary Planning Documents, and a Design Code. Now is the perfect time to join us and help deliver this exciting vision.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £31,537 to £42,839 per year. This is a career graded post and progression through the grades is dependent on criteria as outlined in the Job Profile. Market Premia: £3,000 per annum for up to 3 years. ECU Allowance: Essential Car User (ECU) payment up to £1,003.44 per annum based on 1 FTE. Membership of the ECU is subject to annual review.

• Support from a friendly, experienced Planning and Growth team
• Diverse projects across urban and rural landscapes
• Opportunities to shape sustainable growth, protect heritage, and enhance biodiversity
• A chance to influence the future of Loughborough, a hub of innovation and learning
• Supportive, collaborative culture where your voice matters
• Engage with councillors, developers and communities to deliver inclusive planning outcomes
• Work for a council that values transparency, integrity and public service
• Access to training, mentoring and support for RTPI/IHBC/CIEEM accreditation
• Clear career progression pathways
• Hybrid working options and flexible hours to support your work‑life balance
• Generous annual leave, pension scheme and wellbeing initiatives
• A modern, inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity
• Continuous Professional Development
• A chance to make a meaningful impact on the places and people of Charnwood
• Agile working options – including home working
• Most services close over Christmas
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free parking

Please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and hold the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Gold Award. We support staff wellbeing and engagement through internal groups such as the Staff Forum, Health and Wellbeing Group, and Equality Working Group. Shape the future of Charnwood – where innovation meets heritage.