Principal Planning Officer About TopCV

Swale Borough Council; Sittingbourne; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Sittingbourne is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to manage planning applications and provide expert development advice. Responsibilities include mentoring junior officers and representing the Council at public examinations. Candidates should have strong knowledge of planning legislation and excellent communication skills. Benefits include flexible working hours and a range of additional perks.

Benefits

34-hour full-time working week

Flexible hybrid working policy

Generous annual leave entitlement

£1,000 car allowance

Free parking

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Wellbeing events

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, including EIA Regulations.
• Experience handling complex major applications and commercial developments.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload of planning applications and pre-application enquiries.
• Provide expert development advice to householders, agents, developers, and landowners.
• Mentor and support junior officers, deputising for the Team Leader when required.
• Represent the Council at appeals, hearings, and public examinations.
• Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Mentoring ability

Collaborative approach

Education

Chartered membership of the RTPI or working towards it

Job description

As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of Swale's diverse urban, rural, and coastal communities. You'll:

• Manage a complex caseload of planning applications and pre-application enquiries.
• Provide expert development advice to householders, agents, developers, and landowners.
• Mentor and support junior officers, deputising for the Team Leader when required.
• Represent the Council at appeals, hearings, and public examinations.
• Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee.

Requirements include:

• Chartered membership of the RTPI (or working towards it).
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, including EIA Regulations.
• Experience handling complex major applications and commercial developments.
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills.
• A collaborative approach to working with stakeholders, Members, and the wider community.

At Swale, staff wellbeing is a genuine priority. The benefits include:

• 34-hour full-time working week with early office closure at 1:30pm every Friday.
• Flexible hybrid working policy, with flexi-time between 7am and 7pm.
• Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing with service, plus three days off over Christmas when offices close.
• Additional benefits such as a £1,000 car allowance, free parking, pension scheme, life assurance, cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, lease car salary sacrifice, annual flu vaccination, Employee Assistance Programme, discounts, professional fee payment, relocation support, wellbeing events, and learning opportunities.