PDP Transport Development Planning Officer

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL; Woking; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Woking is seeking two Transport Development Planning Officers to join their team. This position offers a structured career development pathway, focusing on sustainable transportation and planning. Candidates should have a relevant degree and strong communication skills. The role involves advising on transport impacts and reviewing planning applications. The salary ranges from £33,553 to £45,135 per annum, with additional benefits including extensive holiday and development resources.

Benefits

26 days' holiday, rising to 30 days after 5 years

Option to buy up to 10 additional holiday days

Employee Assistance Programme

Lifestyle discounts

2 paid volunteering days per year

Learning and development resources

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent transport planning experience is required.
• You must have good communication and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work under pressure are essential.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Good written and verbal communication skills

Good IT skills

Good problem solving ability

Team player

Interest in highway and planning technical matters

Education

Degree in geography, town planning, civil engineering, transportation planning, or equivalent

Job description

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 excited to be hiring two PDP Transport Development Planning Officers to join our fantastic 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.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer\'s leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

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. As well as being the Planning Authority on Minerals and Waste matters and its own development, the Planning service also consists of teams assessing development proposals across the county in terms of compliance with national Planning policy including impact on the transport network.

Surrey County Council is the Highway Authority for roads within the county. The Transport Development Planning team is responsible for assessing the impact of development proposals on the roads and transport networks in the area. We provide recommendations to the county\'s Planning Authorities to help improve and preserve the safety and sustainability of travel in the area as new developments are delivered. Our team considers over 3500 planning applications each year, ranging 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 be responsible for advising Local Planning Authorities on the transport impacts of development proposals. You will have specific regard to promoting sustainable development, maintaining, and improving road safety, minimising traffic generation and maximising the shift towards sustainable travel modes.

By the end of the PDP, you will have demonstrated ability to assess the transport implications of development and respond to Planning Application consultations independently. You will develop experience in reviewing Transport Assessments and negotiating with developers. You will also be able to work on drafting and coordinating legal agreements with developers under Sections 38 and Section 278 of the Highways Act.

You will be part of a large enthusiastic team who will support your development to help further your career in transport planning. The Professional Development Programme is an ideal way to kickstart your career in Transport Planning and will provide you with a structured framework to learn and to progress through the pay grades to match your growing depth of experience and knowledge.

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 as part of this role 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 where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 21st October 2025 with interviews planned for 29th October 2025.

This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.

Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.