Senior Planning Officer – AR

Senior Planning Officer

Directorate: Regeneration & Sustainable Development
Division: Planning (Development Management)
Reports to: Team Manager

We are seeking an experienced Senior Planning Officer to support the delivery of high-quality development and regeneration across the borough. You will manage a caseload of complex and major planning applications, negotiate with developers to secure policy-compliant and high-quality schemes, and contribute to the continued improvement of our Development Management service.

This is a senior professional role requiring strong technical expertise, sound judgement, and the confidence to represent the Council at committee and appeal proceedings.

• Manage and determine complex and major planning applications in accordance with delegated powers.
• Prepare clear, well-reasoned reports with recommendations for Planning Committee and delegated decisions.
• Present applications at Planning Committee and respond to Member queries.
• Negotiate with applicants and agents to secure high-quality outcomes in line with national and local planning policy.
• Prepare and defend the Council’s case in planning appeals, including written representations, hearings and inquiries.
• Provide pre-application advice on significant development proposals.
• Mentor and support junior planning officers.
• Liaise with internal departments, elected Members, residents and external stakeholders.
• Undertake site visits and assess the planning merits and impacts of development proposals.

You will have:

• Degree-level qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in Development Management within a local authority setting.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy.
• Experience handling major or complex applications and planning appeals.
• Excellent written, analytical and negotiation skills.
• Confidence presenting at committee and engaging with a range of stakeholders.
• Membership of, or progress toward membership of, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is desirable.

• Opportunity to lead on significant regeneration and investment projects.
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development.
• Involvement in high-profile and strategically important developments.