Senior Planning Officer

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to lead on planning applications and provide expertise in a customer-focused service. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of planning legislation and demonstrable experience in handling complex cases. This role offers a competitive salary, flexible working options, and comprehensive benefits, including annual leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

28.5 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working options

Reimbursement of professional fees

Comprehensive development and training

Discounted membership at local sports centres

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience of working on complex planning cases.
• Strong communication skills in spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Determine a diverse range of planning applications.
• Lead on the consideration and negotiation of planning applications.
• Provide professional expertise at Committees and Planning Appeals.

Skills

Strong team player

Articulate communication

Initiative in project management

Education

Chartered membership of the RTPI or eligibility

Job description

Senior Planning Officer

£42,500 to £46,871 inclusive annual salary, plus £2,500 annual market supplement, essential car user allowance, and up to 19.7 percent employer pension contribution

Permanent, Full-time (37 hours/week)

Flexible working options including hybrid

Job ref: P2382

We are looking for talented individuals who can contribute to the delivery of a high performing customer focused service.

We welcome applications from candidates with Chartered membership of the RTPI or who are eligible for membership and have demonstrable experience of working on a range of more complex planning cases involving Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings and major developments.

The Senior Planning Officer will be responsible for determining a diverse range of planning applications and appeal work, developing your knowledge of planning related legislation and delivering positive outcomes to our customers and residents.

Our Officers take a lead on the consideration and negotiation of planning applications and provide professional expertise at Committees, Planning Appeals and Enforcement cases as required. This includes making delegated decisions, presenting to committees, engaging with colleagues, Councillors and other stakeholders to ensure the right planning outcome.

About you

As a Senior Planning Officer, you will deal with a range of more complex applications as part of the Development Management Team.

Ideally, you will be a strong team player who is well organised, articulate in spoken and written communication and able to take the initiative to help drive forward individual projects and the team’s overall objectives.

St Albans is a unique English Cathedral City with a colourful history which can be seen in the Roman remains and variety of beautiful architecture, heritage sites and conservation areas. Set within green belt, off the M25, A1M and M1, the District includes a cathedral, vibrant city centre and thriving villages. Our centrally located offices in the city are near to the station (London St Pancras 20 minutes), shops and restaurants. In short, it is a great place to live and work.

In addition to working within a great team and a comprehensive salary you will have access to:

• 28.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays.
• Please note: annual leave will be pro-rated for anyone who does not have a standard full-time pattern of 37 hours over 5 days, e.g. part-timers
• Local Government Pension Scheme with current employer contribution up to 19.7 percent employer contributions
• Flexible working options
• Staff Parking Permit
• Reimbursement of professional fees
• Comprehensive development and training
• Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
• Access to discounts and benefits via online platform

Additional Information

• Disability Confident
• We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the post.
• Disclosure Checks
• This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check.
• English Fluency
• The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language, the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sarah Smith, Team Leader or Gillian Donald, Team Leader at [e-mail] or [e-mail]

For further details and to apply please click on the 'apply button' or email [e-mail] or telephone [phone] stating your details and the post reference number.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 30 September 2025.

NOTE: Interviews are conducted throughout the application process. We reserve the right to close the vacancy at an earlier date and we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.