Planning Officer, Development Management

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Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Who are we looking for?

Wealden District Council is committed to delivering sustainable development and providing our communities with a 5 star planning service.

This is an opportunity for someone who has some planning experience and wants to further their career or for someone who is adept at dealing with a variety of application types but wants to do that in a district with a varied history and landscape.

You will be part of a team that helps to process around 3000 applications, applying planning law and policy and delivering positive outcomes for our communities and businesses.

What will the role involve?

• Preparing planning reports on development proposals.
• Providing advice and conducting negotiations with applicants to achieve the best possible outcomes and deliver 5-star customer service.
• Liaising with various stakeholders, including residents, officers from other service sections, elected members, and external bodies to ensure material consideration are taken into account and that decision making is open and transparent.
• Engaging in pre-application discussions, taking opportunities to front load planning considerations and make the formal planning application process run smoothly.
• Dealing with planning appeals.

What skills, knowledge and abilities do you require for the role?

• Experience in planning and the application of expert knowledge within a planning policy or development management context, including at appeal.
• Customer service skills, being particularly adept at speaking with those who have conflicting demands and priorities.
• Knowledge of relevant law, policy and guidance related to planning and related matters.
• Communication and negotiation skills being able to discuss proposals in a positive, constructive, and professional manner to deliver positive planning outcomes.
• A planning or relevant degree qualification or, as an alternative, considerable experience in planning matters.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary & pension scheme.
• A friendly, supportive team.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Hybrid working.

For more information

For more information and an informal chat about opportunities please contact Stephanie Wood on 01892 602474 or Caitlin Boddy on 01892 602539.

About Wealden

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities, and all applications will be treated on merit.

Ethical Use of AI in Applications

We welcome innovation and do not automatically exclude candidates who use AI tools during the application process. However, we assess each application to ensure the candidate genuinely understands the role and its requirements.

AI may be used ethically and responsibly, provided it supports, rather than compromises our core values of integrity, transparency, and fairness. During assessments and interviews, candidates must present their own skills and experience without assistance from others, external resources, or AI, unless explicitly instructed otherwise.