Planning Officer - Infrastructure & Growth (Hybrid)

South West Water; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Holiday allowance

Discretionary bonus

Pension scheme

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Private healthcare

Employee assistance

Group discounts

Cycle to Work

RTPI support

Job summary

South West Water in Exeter/Bristol is hiring a Planning Officer to help shape sustainable growth across the South West. You will support development aligned with our water and wastewater networks, coordinating with local authorities, developers and internal specialists.

This role offers hybrid working, exposure to major schemes and local plan consultations, plus opportunities for RTPI development. You will manage a varied caseload, build strong stakeholder relationships and influence

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning (or related discipline).
• Demonstrable experience in a planning environment, ideally within local government, consultancy, utilities or infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system, development management and planning policy.
• Experience reviewing planning applications and preparing professional responses.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Review planning applications and assess impacts on water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Prepare representations and consultation responses for South West Water.
• Provide planning advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage with local planning authorities, developers, landowners, consultants and customers.
• Support pre-application discussions and strategic proposals.
• Monitor emerging planning policy, local plans and development frameworks.
• Represent South West Water at planning meetings and consultations.
• Collaborate with Developer Services, Asset Protection, Growth and Network Planning teams.
• Support the delivery of sustainable growth through effective planning and infrastructure coordination.

Skills

Planning experience

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Independent worker

Education

Degree in Town Planning

Job description

South West Water in Exeter/Bristol is hiring a Planning Officer to help shape sustainable growth across the South West. You will support development aligned with our water and wastewater networks, coordinating with local authorities, developers and internal specialists.

This role offers hybrid working, exposure to major schemes and local plan consultations, plus opportunities for RTPI development. You will manage a varied caseload, build strong stakeholder relationships and influence