PDP Transport Development Planning Officer

Local Government Chronicle; Woking; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Woking is looking for a PDP Transport Development Planning Officer to advise on transport impacts of development proposals. The successful candidate will promote sustainable development and improve road safety as part of a dedicated team. A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience is required. This role offers great career development opportunities through a structured program. Competitive salary and flexible work arrangements are included.

Benefits

Comprehensive training and development

Guaranteed interview for disabled applicants

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Ability to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle.
• Interest in highway and planning technical matters.

Responsibilities

• Advise on transport impacts of development proposals.
• Promote sustainable development and improve road safety.
• Review Transport Assessments and negotiate with developers.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Negotiation

Problem-solving

IT skills

Education

Degree in relevant subject or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

PDP Transport Development Planning Officer. The starting salary for this position is 33,553 per annum for 36 hours per week. This position has a pay grade span ranging between PS7 - PS9 (33,553 - 45,135) which offers the opportunity to progress as you develop in your role. We are hiring two PDP Transport Development Planning Officers to join our Transport Development Planning Team. This is a Professional Development Programme (PDP) position and provides a formal career development opportunity, supported by a comprehensive training and development offer.

About The Role

By 2030 we want Surrey to be a uniquely special place where everyone has a great start to life, people live healthy and fulfilling lives, are enabled to achieve their full potential and contribute to their community, and no one is left behind. The Environment, Infrastructure and Growth directorate has a vital role in helping to achieve these ambitions. Our vision is to enable safe, sustainable, connected and thriving communities now and in the future.

This role sits within Planning and Placemaking Service. Surrey County Council is the Highway Authority for roads within the county. The Transport Development Planning team assesses the impact of development proposals on the roads and transport networks and provides recommendations to the county’s Planning Authorities to improve and preserve safety and sustainability of travel as new developments are delivered. We consider over 3500 planning applications each year, from small residential proposals to large urban extensions, new or expanded schools, and new commercial or retail units.

As a Transport Development Planning Officer (PDP) you will advise Local Planning Authorities on the transport impacts of development proposals with a focus on promoting sustainable development, maintaining road safety, minimising traffic generation and maximising sustainable travel modes. By the end of the PDP, you will be able to assess transport implications of development and respond to Planning Application consultations independently. You will develop experience in reviewing Transport Assessments and negotiating with developers, and in drafting and coordinating legal agreements with developers under Sections 38 and 278 of the Highways Act. You will be part of a large enthusiastic team and benefit from the Professional Development Programme as a structured path to learn and progress through the pay grades.

Responsibilities

• Advise Local Planning Authorities on transport impacts of development proposals
• Promote sustainable development and improve road safety
• Assess and respond to Planning Application consultations
• Review Transport Assessments and negotiate with developers
• Draft and coordinate legal agreements under Sections 38 and 278 of the Highways Act
• Collaborate within a large team to support career development in transport planning

Shortlisting Criteria

To be shortlisted to interview for this position, your application will clearly evidence:

• Degree in a relevant subject - geography, town planning, civil engineering, transportation planning, or equivalent OR equivalent transport planning experience
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including negotiation
• Good IT skills
• Good problem solving ability
• You are a team player, flexible, adaptable, and able to work under pressure
• Interest in, or some knowledge of, relevant highway and planning technical matters

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and you will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments will be made for successful applicants with a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

Important Dates

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 21st October 2025 with interviews planned for 29th October 2025. This post is designated as a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation to implement the Government-led policy of devolution, which aims to give more powers to local areas. Surrey currently has a two-tier council system with 11 district and borough councils and a county council. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils in April 2027. At this point, this role will transfer with terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils. This role offers an opportunity to shape the future of local government.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A Guaranteed Interview will be offered to all disabled applicants who evidence the minimum criteria and have chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form. Reasonable adjustments for interview and/or role will be provided. We welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.

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Location: Knaphill, Woking, UK | Status: Permanent | Published: 24 Sep 2025