Planner / Senior Planner

hays-gcj-v4-pd-online; Sittingbourne; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Swale Borough Council is seeking a Planner / Senior Planner to join their Planning Applications team. The role involves processing planning applications, offering advice, and representing the Council at appeals. With a hybrid working policy, flexible hours, and a supportive environment focused on wellbeing, it's an excellent opportunity for career growth.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Flexible hybrid working policy

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Professional fee payment

Regular wellbeing events

Qualifications

• Experience of collaborative working across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Membership of the RTPI (or pursuing full membership).

Responsibilities

• Processing a range of planning applications including advertisements and Conservation Area notices.
• Providing development advice to householders and developers.
• Preparing reports for Member Working Groups and Committees.

Skills

Communication

Organisational Skills

Education

Relevant undergraduate degree or diploma

Job description

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Planner / Senior Planner – Planning Applications

Salary: £32,417 – £41,082 (Career Graded 6/7) + £1,000 car allowance

Location: Swale Borough Council (Hybrid Working, two days per week in the office preferred)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent (34 hours per week)

We are proud to be working exclusively with Swale Borough Council, a forward-thinking and ambitious local authority in Kent, to recruit a Planning Officer to join their busy and supportive Planning Applications team.

A Council that puts people first

At Swale, staff wellbeing is a genuine priority. With a 34-hour full-time working week and early office closure at 1:30pm every Friday, the Council is committed to helping employees achieve a healthy work-life balance. This is further supported by a generous annual leave entitlement, which increases with service, plus an additional three days’ leave over the Christmas period when the offices close completely. Their flexible hybrid working policy, with flexi-time between 7am and 7pm, is just one of the many ways they support their team.

Why now is the perfect time to join Swale

It’s an exciting time to join Planning at Swale. With renewed momentum behind the Local Plan, a restructured Planning Applications team geared for success, and the formation of a new Place Service—bringing together planning, regeneration, economic development and property—there’s a real sense of purpose and opportunity. The new structure is designed to retain, develop and attract top talent, and offers a collaborative, supportive environment where you can thrive. Swale’s strategic location within Kent and the wider South East, combined with its rich heritage, ecological assets, and diverse geography, makes it a fascinating and rewarding place to work in planning.

About the Role

As a Planning Officer, you’ll play a vital role in delivering a high-quality planning service across the borough. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Processing a range of planning applications, including advertisements, listed buildings, Tree Preservation Orders, and Conservation Area notices.
2. Providing development advice to householders, agents, developers, and landowners.
3. Preparing and presenting the Council’s case at appeals, inquiries, hearings, and court proceedings in accordance with grade.
4. Supporting the preparation and presentation of reports to Member Working Groups and Committees.

What you'll bring

• A relevant undergraduate degree or diploma.
• Membership of the RTPI (or working towards full membership of the RTPI or RICS).
• Experience of collaborative working across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to travel independently around the borough.

Why join Swale?

Swale Borough Council offers a generous and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth:

• 34-hour working week with early finish on Fridays
• Highly flexible hybrid working and flexi-time (7am–7pm)
• 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
• 3 additional days leave over Christmas
• Free parking
• Local government Pension Scheme with life cover
• Life assurance (3x salary for LGPS members)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme
• Annual flu vaccination
• Employee Assistance Programme with counselling support
• Discounts on shopping, leisure, and holidays
• Professional fee payment (where applicable)
• Relocation support (if eligible)
• Regular wellbeing events including holistic therapies and outdoor activities
• Excellent learning and development opportunities

Next Steps:

If you’re interested in learning more about these opportunities, including gaining access to our dedicated microsite, receiving the JD/PS or just having a confidential chat, please get in touch with Daniel Baker on 07545 546 986 or apply via this advert.

Whilst the closing date for applications is legitimate, the council is open to speaking with suitable candidates as they apply before this date to ensure they don’t miss out.