Planning / Senior Planning Officer P112

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

Job summary

A local government authority in Loughborough is seeking a Planning / Senior Planning Officer to handle planning applications and collaborate across departments. The role offers progression linked to RTPI membership and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. Benefits include hybrid working options, generous annual leave, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Flexible hours

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Free parking

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Handle a varied caseload of planning applications.
• Collaborate across departments and external partners.
• Manage complex applications and supervise a Planning Assistant.

Job description

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:£3000 per annum for up to 3 years.

ECU Allowance:Essential Car User (ECU) payment up to £1003.44per annum based on 1 FTE. Membership of the ECU is subject to annual review.

Planning / Senior Planning Officer - Be at the heart of Charnwood's Transformation

About Us

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.

Why Charnwood?

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.

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.

About You

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

• 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 is essential for site visits across the borough.

What you’ll gain

• 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
• Access to Continuous Professional Development
• A chance to make a meaningful impact on the places and people of Charnwood

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

Benefits of working with us

• Agile working options – including home working
• Generous annual leave (35.5 to 40.5 days including bank holidays)
• Most services close over Christmas
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free parking

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.

Find out more about this role and our team

https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/planningcareers