Graduate Planner – Planning & Development

Salary from £21,852 to £25,116 depending on skills and experience – plus or cash alternative of our lease car scheme of £2,080 pa

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Planning & Development department at Ashford Borough Council as a Graduate Planner on a contract for up to 3 years.

We are seeking a Graduate Planner to assist in providing a high quality, customer focused Planning & Development service. Working flexibly as part of the department you would work on a wide range of tasks including:

• Deliver advice and decisions on planning applications
• Provide wider advice to stakeholders on planning related issues
• Assist officers to prepare planning policies and guidance to promote high-quality development in the borough.

Who are we looking for?

• Someone with the ambition to start or continue to progress their career in planning
• Good attention to detail
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Someone who is keen to learn and has a can-do attitude
• Knowledge of the planning system, legislation and procedures are desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided.

This role would suit graduates from a wide range of subjects, particularly individuals with a genuine interest in areas such as the built environment, planning, sustainability, the law and local government.

The successful post holder will be expected to study for Level 7 Chartered Town Planner (Apprenticeship) at London South Bank University.

The successful post holder will gain a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) fully-accredited qualification from an RTPI accredited Planning School. On successful completion of the training you will become Chartered Members of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) and use the title Chartered Town Planner.

The support we can offer is on the job support, payment of the course fees, examination fees and associated professional body membership at student level plus day release as required.

About us:

Ashford is the largest authority in the “Garden of England”. It’s a beautiful place to live and work and we have everything, including unparalleled transport links, heritage towns and villages and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is close to the Channel Tunnel, the coast and London is just 38 minutes away by train.

At Ashford we are building an exciting and beautiful place for residents, businesses and visitors alike that will underpin economic prosperity, cultural richness and commercial opportunities for our communities.

Click to view a Job Description 

For an informal discussion regarding this role please contact Harriet Turner, Acting Deputy Team Leader – Plan Making & Infrastructure via harriet.turner@ashford.gov.uk or 01233 330241

We offer

Hybrid Working - We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working.

Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

To apply click on the 'Apply Button' Alternatively please visit our jobs page of our website at www.ashford.gov.uk/jobs

For more information about Ashford Borough Council please visit our website https://www.ashford.gov.uk/

Interviews are scheduled for 27th, 28th and 29th July.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community