Job Description

Vacancy Description
Are you passionate about shaping places and supporting sustainable development? We're looking for a proactive and enthusiastic Planning Officer to join our Planning Service team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience or a strong interest in Development Management to contribute to a dynamic and customer-focused service.

About the Role

As a Planning Officer, you'll play a key role in assessing and determining planning applications and appeals, engaging in pre-application discussions, and supporting enforcement activities. You'll also assist in preparing reports and presentations for Planning Committee and other forums, helping to ensure high-quality decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Assess planning proposals, undertake site visits, and prepare accurate reports and recommendations. Lead and contribute to pre-application discussions with applicants and stakeholders. Present reports to Members' Working Parties, Committees, and external organisations. Liaise with internal departments and external bodies to ensure coordinated planning responses. Support enforcement investigations, including monitoring planning conditions and breaches. Prepare appeal statements and attend site visits; Grade 5 officers may represent the Council at Hearings. Assist with technical and administrative tasks related to Planning Committee reports and presentations. Respond to Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations requests.
Contribute to maintaining strong internal and external relationships and delivering a responsive service.

What We're Looking For

Experience in planning or a related discipline, with a customer-focused approach. Educated to degree level or equivalent, ideally with or working towards a planning qualification. Licentiate membership of the RTPI or a clear pathway towards membership. Basic knowledge of planning legislation and guidance; detailed understanding of Development Management and appeal procedures is desirable. Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills. Ability to interpret plans, negotiate effectively, and produce high-quality written work. Proficiency in IT systems including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. A collaborative team player who can also work independently and manage competing priorities.

Special Requirements

Full valid UK driving licence (or equivalent).

Ability to undertake site inspections, including in rural areas.

Career Progression

This is a career-graded post, offering development opportunities aligned with your experience and performance. You'll be supported to grow professionally and take on increasingly complex and high-profile projects.

What you'll get:

22 days' holiday (rising to 27 with 5 years' continuous Local Government service) and 3 additional days in December. Generous Local Government Pension Scheme - employer contribution of 19.7% Annual membership fees refunded for your professional body. Hybrid working to support work/life balance.
Free parking near the Town Hall.
Free tea, coffee and wellbeing perks like an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), flu jabs, eyecare vouchers and more.

Ready to apply?

Apply now and take the next step in your planning career. If you'd like to talk through the role, contact Richard Hazelgrove, Development Management Team Leader at Richard.Hazelgrove@Tunbridgewells.gov.uk or on 01892 554054.

Advert Closing date: 31 August midnight

Interviews: TBC

How to apply
We only accept online applications. If you require access to a computer and/or the internet, you can use our facilities free of charge at The Amelia Scott. Please call ahead to book an appointment Tel. 01892 554171.





Please follow the link below to submit your application.

Equal Opportunities

Tunbridge Wells - Working for Equality. We welcome 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 employee and volunteers to share this commitment.