Planning Officer or Senior Planning Officer

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Development Management team as a planner in one of the UK’s most successful New Towns. The small team handles a varied range of planning applications and we’re looking for a flexible, professional and customer focussed team member to work in an environment where we aim to provide excellent customer service to all of our customers. 

You will deal with every aspect of the planning process from pre-application discussions to processing, negotiating and determining planning applications. You’ll also be involved in all aspects of post decision work, including appeal and enforcement work when required. 

There may also be opportunities to provide support to other team members, for example on a major project or other planning related enquiries. Dependant on experience, the role provides opportunities to work with others on larger scale residential and commercial projects and to develop your casework experience across a wide range of applications. The team has adopted an innovative way of working which will allow you greater control over the organisation of your caseload and effective case management experience.

We’re looking for someone with a thorough understanding of planning legislation, excellent communication skills and a high standard of work. Ideally, we are also looking for someone with a successful track record of working in a local planning authority, or similar environment, with minimal supervision.

This is a varied role and your duties will include:

• effectively managing a planning caseload 
• providing excellent service to customers in writing, in person or over the telephone
• attending Planning Committee when requested, presenting reports and recommendations as directed
• preparing written representations on proofs of evidence for appeals and, if required, to attend and give evidence at hearings and public inquiries as the council’s expert
• assisting in the preparation of briefs for the development of sites
• contributing to the development and review of planning policies and related policy documents
• dealing with enforcement issues

As well as an experienced planner seeking full time work, the role may also be suitable as a part time post for a suitable candidate, or for an enthusiastic new planning graduate taking their first step in their planning career.

Crawley has a historic high street alongside the post-war town centre, surrounded by carefully planned residential neighbourhoods, creating a very interesting place to pursue your planning career.

There are a range of residential and commercial development pressures in the borough. Major work is underway to regenerate the town centre and to redevelop our employment areas. We are progressing a Local Plan review to address the challenges facing the Borough in delivering housing and other services to meet local needs to 2040. We also face the challenge of delivering water neutral development.

Crawley is the economic hub of West Sussex, with a large employment area at Manor Royal. Gatwick Airport is also within the administrative boundary and plays a major economic role. The airport is currently pursuing expansion through proposals for a second northern runway. In addition to Gatwick, Crawley has excellent rail and road links to London, Brighton and Hove, Horsham and the south coast.

Additional information

You will require a full current UK driving licence. You will be able to claim any mileage via our casual car user reimbursement scheme.

Fixed term contract for one year.

UK degree or diploma in planning or an equivalent (non UK) planning qualification.

Appointment at senior grade will be dependent on gaining Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Flexible working between 22 and 37 hours per week will be considered. 

Employee benefits

We offer a generous employee benefits package, with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone.

Our way of working

Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do. Take a look to see if we are the perfect match.

Safer recruitment

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.

How to apply

Click the Apply button to complete your application online. Please ensure that the reference details you supply are for your current or most recent employer and that any gaps in employment are covered on your application form. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a fully completed application form.

For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, email hamish.walke@crawley.gov.uk, Acting Group Manager – Development Management or call on 01293 438343. Alternatively, please contact alex.sanders@crawley.gov.uk, Principal Planning Officer or call on 01293 438038)

To apply click on the 'apply button'