Senior Planning Officer

Epping Forest District Council; Ivy Chimneys; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK seeks a Senior Planning Officer to manage planning applications and support the Local Plan implementation. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and communication skills with relevant planning experience. This role offers a salary of £47,598 - £49,866, 36 contractual hours, and benefits such as hybrid working and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

LGPS pension scheme

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Perkbox discounts

Ongoing professional development

Flexible pay via Wagestream

Reimbursement of professional membership

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience and expert knowledge appropriate to the job role.
• Ability to organize workload independently to meet deadlines.
• Experience with planning processes, especially in Green Belt areas.

Responsibilities

• Deal with a range of planning applications and projects.
• Assist in the implementation of the Local Plan and growth for the District.
• Represent the service at Planning Committees and Appeals.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strong written communication

Planning process knowledge

Technology usage for services

Education

Relevant qualifications

Job description

Overview

Epping Forest District is at an exciting time in shaping its future. We have an up-to-date Local Plan and a large number of allocated housing and employment sites coming forward now for consideration. The Council seeks to pursue the maximum benefits of new development for its residents as well as ensuring it is of the highest quality.

The Development Management service regulates the development and use of land and buildings in accordance with the relevant Planning Acts and the Council's planning policies. The team handles pre-application submissions, planning applications and appeals, and is predominantly the front-facing part of Planning Services, dealing with the majority of public enquiries and regularly presenting applications to planning committees. There is considerable Green Belt coverage across the District and ongoing opportunities on proposed Grey Belt sites. This role offers chances to be involved in major development schemes and to help shape the district.

The Senior Planning Officer will provide opportunities to deal with a range of planning applications and projects and all tasks associated with the Service. The successful candidate will be expected to be familiar with how planning applications are determined when located within the Green Belt and to assist in implementing the Local Plan and the district’s ambitious growth.

Responsibilities

• Deal with a range of planning applications and/or projects and all tasks associated with the business of the Service.
• Assist the Council in the implementation of the Local Plan and growth for the District.
• Represent the service at Planning Committees, Appeals, and other necessary events.
• Attend training and develop planning knowledge through practical experience.
• Provide timely, clear, and concise written analysis of issues and manage workload to meet deadlines and customer service commitments.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of technology to deliver modern and streamlined services and processes.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Enthusiastic and ambitious individuals with relevant qualifications and demonstrable experience and expert knowledge appropriate to the job role.
• Ability to analyse issues and present them in clear written form; ability to organise workload independently to meet deadlines and targets.
• Strong written and communication skills and experience with planning processes, especially in relation to Green Belt areas.
• Good understanding of use of technology for delivery of modern services.

Salary, Hours and Benefits

• Salary: £47,598 - £49,866
• Contractual hours: 36
• Basis: Full time
• Region: Epping
• Package: LGPS pension scheme, 28 days annual leave + bank holidays, Perkbox discounts & wellbeing perks, Hybrid working, Ongoing professional development, Flexible pay via Wagestream, Reimbursement of professional membership
• Job category/type: Permanent - Full Time
• Date posted: 03/09/2025
• Job reference: EREQ000443

How to Apply

Please refer to the job role profile for more detail on the role. To apply, please upload a copy of your CV and a suitable supporting statement outlining how your education, experience, knowledge and skills and other attributes match the requirements of the role.

About the Council

Epping Forest District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.