(Senior) Planning Officer (Planning Applications)

About the Role

An opportunity has arisen to join the Planning Applications team as Planning Officer or Senior Planning Officer. This is a career graded post with scope for progression through the grades as a pathway for career development. You will need to be enthusiastic and conscientious, with the ability to assess planning applications, advertisement, listed buildings, Tree Preservation Orders, and other statutory applications as required. You will provide development advice to householders, agents, developers, and landowners and will be required to mentor junior officers.

You will also be responsible for preparing and presenting the Council’s case at appeals and will support the preparation and presentation of reports to member Working Groups and Committees as required. 

As a career graded post, this is your opportunity progress in your career with a local authority that values professional development, work-life balance, and community impact.

This is a full time role working 34 hours per week on a permanent contract.

About Swale Borough Council 

Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas. We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best. In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda. 

About You

We are looking for a self-motivated team player with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with both internal and external customers. You will be degree educated, ideally with RTPI membership, and have relevant experience in processing planning applications.

You must have a full driving licence and the use of a car for which an allowance is provided.

Our Offer

A range of benefits including: 

• 34 hour full time working week with the offices closing at 1:30pm on Friday
• Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities
• Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave. 
• Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New year. 
• Free parking
• Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people’s home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9-day fortnight, part time. 
• Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
• Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work 
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car.  The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax. 
• Annual flu vaccine
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
• Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
• A professional fee payment, if required for the role

Selection Process: 

Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those that are successful in securing an interview can expect job specific interview assessment, followed by an interview. 

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Paul Gregory on 01795 417113 or Andy Gambrill on 01795 417120.

To apply for the position please click on the apply link above and complete the online application form or by phone on 01622 602555.

Closing Date:   9th March 2025
Interview Date:  TBC