Senior Planning Officer

Fox Morris Group Ltd; West Alvington; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional local authority recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to manage planning applications across the South of England. This role offers hybrid and remote working arrangements, requiring strong experience in handling major applications within local authority settings. Ideal candidates will have the ability to mentor junior staff and represent the Council at inquiries. Competitive pay negotiable based on experience, with an initial contract of 6 months and potential for extension or permanence.

Benefits

Generous referral bonus

Qualifications

• Experience working within a local authority planning department is essential.
• Capable of working independently with a strong understanding of planning regulations and development control.
• Proven experience handling major and complex applications.
• Appeal experience (written reps, hearings, inquiries) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex and diverse caseload of planning applications.
• Liaise and negotiate with developers and planning agents.
• Prepare and present clear reports for Planning Committees.
• Mentor junior officers and provide technical guidance.
• Prepare appeal documentation and represent the Council at hearings.
• Provide responsive and accurate advice to members and the public.

Job description

Overview

Senior Planning Officer - South Councils (South East, South West, South Central) – Hybrid / Remote Working. We are representing Local Authorities across the South of England offering initial temporary contracts (6 months) with potential for extension or permanent offers for the right candidate. Rates are fully negotiable depending on experience and the specific council.

We are actively seeking Senior and Principal Planning Officers to support busy planning departments across the South East, South West, and South Central regions.

Locations

• South East: Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire
• South West: Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire
• South Central: Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Isle of Wight

Hybrid and remote working options offered — extent of remote work varies by authority.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage a complex and diverse caseload of planning applications, including major housing schemes, mixed-use developments, commercial and infrastructure projects.
• Liaise and negotiate with developers, planning agents, statutory consultees, and internal teams to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Prepare and present clear, robust reports for Planning Committees and delegated decision-making.
• Mentor junior officers and provide planning advice and technical guidance across the team.
• Prepare appeal documentation and represent the Council as an expert witness at hearings and public inquiries.
• Provide responsive, accurate advice to members, applicants, and the public, ensuring full compliance with planning policy and legislation.

Requirements

• Experience working within a local authority planning department is essential.
• Capable of working independently with a strong understanding of planning regulations and development control.
• Proven experience handling major and complex applications.
• Appeal experience (written reps, hearings, inquiries) is highly desirable.

Contract Details

• Initial Term: 6 months
• Extension / Permanent Options: Available
• Rate: Competitive / Negotiable (DOE)
• Working Arrangement: Hybrid / Remote (varies per authority)

How to Apply

If you're currently open to opportunities or would like to hear more about the councils we're working with in the South, please send over your up-to-date CV.

Referral Bonus

Know someone suitable? We offer a generous referral fee for any successful placement you refer.