Senior Planning Officer - Development Management

Tunbridge Wells; Royal Tunbridge Wells; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Local Government Pension Scheme

Staff parking

Learning and development

Job summary

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to manage a diverse caseload of planning applications and appeals across the borough, delivering high-quality reports and recommendations within a collaborative planning team.

We expect a planning-related degree and RTPI eligibility, plus experience with complex applications, site visits and pre-application discussions. The role offers hybrid working, a supportive environment and clear opportunities for career progression.

Qualifications

• Experience of dealing with technical and complex planning applications.
• Detailed and up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation and guidance.
• Experience of writing reports, presenting recommendations and managing competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Assess and determine a wide range of planning applications and related proposals.
• Undertake site inspections and pre-application discussions.
• Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee and other meetings.
• Prepare appeal statements and represent the Council where required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and partner organisations.

Skills

Planning experience

Report writing

Site visits

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Planning-related degree

RTPI eligibility

Job description

Senior Planning Officer - Development Management

Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN11RS

Contract Type: Full Time - Permanent

Contract Details: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Shape Places, Influence Development, Build Your Career

Are you an experienced planner looking for your next challenge in a high-performing and supportive planning service?

At Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, you'll have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of planning applications across a borough that combines thriving town centres, attractive villages, protected landscapes and ambitious regeneration projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning professional who enjoys managing varied and complex cases, delivering high-quality decisions and developing their career within a collaborative and respected planning team.

About the role

As a Senior Planning Officer, you will manage a varied caseload of planning applications and appeals, undertake site visits, provide pre-application advice and prepare high-quality reports and recommendations. You'll work closely with applicants, elected Members, consultees and local communities, helping to deliver sustainable development and positive outcomes across the borough.

You will also:

• Assess and determine a wide range of planning applications and related proposals.
• Undertake site inspections and pre-application discussions.
• Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee and other meetings.
• Prepare appeal statements and represent the Council where required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and partner organisations.

About you

We're looking for a planning professional who combines technical expertise with excellent communication and organisational skills.

You'll bring:

• Experience of dealing with technical and complex planning applications.
• Detailed and up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation and guidance.
• Experience of writing reports, presenting recommendations and managing competing priorities.
• A planning-related degree and eligibility for membership of the RTPI.
• A resilient, collaborative and professional approach.

This role would particularly suit someone looking to continue progressing their planning career whilst working on a broad and interesting portfolio of applications.

Our Development Management team is known for being supportive, friendly and collaborative. Team members enjoy working together, sharing knowledge and building strong professional relationships both in and out of the workplace.

We offer:

• Salary starting at £39,148, rising to £40,178 after one year and £41,208 after two years, subject to approval.
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 29 days with qualifying service, plus bank holidays and three additional days in December.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.7% employer contribution.
• Hybrid working up to three days per week following probation, subject to service needs.
• Free staff parking
• Comprehensive learning, CPD and career development opportunities.
• Opportunities to progress into Principal Planning Officer and Team Leader roles as they arise.

Join us and help shape the future of one of Kent's most attractive and dynamic boroughs.

Closing Date: 10 September 2026

Interview Date: 22 September 2026

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

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Contract Details

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Working Hours

37

Salary

£39,148 per annum

Job Category

Town Planning

Location

Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells