Senior Planner, Development Management

Thurrock Council; Grays; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Thurrock Council is seeking a Senior Planner to enhance planning services and contribute to sustainable growth. The role involves handling complex planning applications, providing expert advice, and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve high-quality outcomes.

Benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Dynamic work environment

Flexible working

Generous annual leave

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in development management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver specialist technical advice on Development Management matters.
• Prepare and present technical evidence in response to planning appeals.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Negotiation Skills

Report Writing

Job description

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Job Description

Salary: £44,208 - £50,424 per annum
Grade: F
Hours: 37hrs

About Us:

Thurrock Council is on an exciting journey to enhance our planning services, and we are making significant strides. Following a comprehensive review by the Planning Advisory Service, we have implemented numerous improvements that have been recognised as going "above and beyond" the initial recommendations. We are committed to continuing this progress and are looking for passionate individuals to join our team and contribute to our mission.

About the Role

Thurrock Council's Planning Department plays a key role in shaping the borough's future, ensuring sustainable growth while protecting the character and needs of our communities. As a Senior Planner, you will handle a range of complex and diverse planning applications, provide expert advice, and contribute to the council's place-shaping agenda. Your role will focus on delivering timely and effective planning decisions, working collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve high-quality outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Deliver specialist technical advice on all Development Management matters, including pre-application advice and the effective processing of planning applications, consents, and determinations.
2. Implement the council's place-shaping agenda, promoting the 'right schemes' in the 'right places' at the 'right times.'
3. Provide professional advice to the public, developers, agents, Members, and other stakeholders regarding development proposals and planning matters, through written correspondence, telephone, or in-person communication.
4. Assess and make recommendations on a variety of planning applications, preparing detailed reports for Senior Officers and Members.
5. Contribute to the development and implementation of planning policies to guide the borough's sustainable growth.
6. Prepare and present technical evidence in response to planning appeals and other legal challenges, representing the council's decisions effectively.
7. Collaborate with the Planning Enforcement Team on matters of unauthorised development to ensure compliance with planning policies and regulations.
8. Attend and contribute to meetings with external organisations, the Planning Committee, and working groups as required.

Skills and Experience Required

• Substantial experience in development management, including handling complex and sensitive planning applications.
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation, policies, and best practices.
• Proven ability to provide clear, concise, and expert technical advice to diverse audiences, including stakeholders, elected members, and the public.
• Strong analytical skills to assess development proposals and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent report-writing and presentation skills, with experience preparing detailed planning reports and presenting evidence at appeals or committees.
• Effective interpersonal and negotiation skills, with a focus on achieving positive outcomes.
• Ability to manage a diverse workload, meet deadlines, and maintain high standards of quality.

Why Join Thurrock Council?

As a Senior Planner, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of high-profile projects, helping to shape Thurrock's growth and development. The Council Planning function is making fantastic progress. We have implemented tangible measures for real improvements."

Join us in building a better future for Thurrock. Help us continue to make a difference,

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Professional growth opportunities.
• The chance to make a tangible impact on the community.
• Recognition and appreciation for your contributions.

Our Culture:

At Thurrock Council, we believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration. We value diversity and strive to create an environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence drives us to support each other and celebrate our successes together.

Advert Closing Date:

Redeployment Only: 15th May 2025

Internal & External; 1st June 2025

Interview Date: TBC

For further information, please contact Ashley Baldwin at [e-mail].

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:
[Download JD]

About Us

Why Thurrock?

Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.

Our location

Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits

We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council