Senior Planning Officer

Medirest Signature; Chorley; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits a qualified planner in a dynamic Development Management team. This role offers a chance to engage in significant planning projects that will benefit local residents while ensuring compliance with development needs. As part of a motivated team, you will handle a variety of planning applications, mentor junior staff, and contribute to policy formulation. The position is perfect for an enthusiastic professional eager to take the next step in their career within a forward-thinking local authority. Join us to make a real impact in the community!

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid working

Local Government pension

Healthcare Cash Plan

Cashback website access

Volunteering days

Free parking

Car Allowance

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or related field is essential.
• Significant experience in Development Management is required.

Responsibilities

• Process planning applications and provide planning advice.
• Mentor junior staff and support development management team.

Skills

Communication Skills

Presentation Skills

Time Management

Knowledge of Town Planning Legislation

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Town Planning

Eligibility for RTPI Membership

Tools

IT Skills

Job description

Role: Senior Planning Officer

Location: Chorley (Hybrid)

Contract: Full time (36.25 hours per week) / Permanent

Salary: 40,476- 42,708 (plus 6% car allowance)

Closing Date: 6 May 2025

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified planner in our busy Development Management team. This role is ideal for an enthusiastic professional looking for the next step in their career or a new challenge at a forward thinking and innovative local authority. You will form part of an existing highly motivated and energetic Development Management Team and have the opportunity to shape some significant developments in the coming years to benefit the local residents whilst ensuring the Council meets its development needs.

You will deal with the full range of planning (and related) applications from house extensions to major residential and commercial development. You will also have the opportunity to mentor junior members of staff.

What you'll be getting up to

1. To deal with all aspects of the Development Management Service, including the processing of planning and related applications, production of reports, the provision of planning advice, and signing off householder, minor and other applications under delegated powers.
2. Preparation of statements of case and proofs of evidence for planning appeals and appearance as an expert witness at Public Inquiries.
3. Provide professional advice and guidance to elected members, officers and members of the public in relation to development management matters.
4. To exercise delegated authority to make decisions on planning applications, in accordance with prior agreed procedures.
5. To contribute to the formulation, review and revision of planning policy, masterplans and development briefs.
6. Mentor and support less experienced members of the development management team.

Who we're looking for

1. Degree in Town Planning or related qualification.
2. Eligible for membership of the RTPI.
3. Thorough knowledge of town planning legislation, policy and guidance.
4. Significant post qualification experience in planning, including Development Management.
5. Excellent communication and presentation skills.
6. Ability to manage workload and meet regular deadlines.
7. Excellent IT skills.

Other requirements

1. This role requires some travel around our borough. You should have a valid driving licence or the equivalent mobility.

Our Benefits

1. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (and Christmas shutdown)
2. Hybrid/agile working from day one
3. Local Government pension
4. Healthcare Cash Plan for cash back on health treatments
5. Cashback website access for savings on brands you love
6. Volunteering days
7. Free parking
8. Car Allowance

Many of our colleagues work flexibly for us. We're always open to conversations around different working arrangements. If you're interested in part-time, compressed hours or any other working arrangement, please get in touch with us through the Contact Us form on our careers website.