Planning/Senior Planning Officer

Crawley Borough Council

Exchange Rd, Crawley, null RH10 0ZZ, UK

Hybrid

Expires: Expiring in less than 4 weeks

Planning

Full time

£43,017 - £50,007 per year

Reference: EN255
Division: Economy and Planning
Salary: £43,017.00 - £50,007.00 per annum
Contract type: Fixed term
Posted on: 01 April 2026
Interview date:11 May 2026
Extra payment(s): Not applicable

Positions: 1
Category: Planning
Grade: I - J
Working hours: 37 per week
Closing date: 26 April 2026
Location: Town Hall, Crawley
Location type: Hybrid

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About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to advance your planning career in a career graded post in an award- winning planning team - Crawley Borough Council’s planning teams won Local Planning Authority of the Year for the South East region in 2025, reflecting the commitment and positive achievements of the planning staff.

This one year fixed term role gives you the chance to work in an interesting planning role in one of the UK’s most successful New Towns. Crawley has a historic core alongside the post-war town centre, surrounded by carefully planned residential neighbourhoods. Crawley is the economic hub of West Sussex, with a large employment area at Manor Royal. Gatwick Airport, with approval to expand, is also within the administrative boundary and plays a major economic role. Crawley has excellent rail and road links to London, Brighton and Hove, Horsham and the south coast.

The Development Management team is a small team, handling a varied range of planning applications. We are looking for a flexible, professional and customer focussed team member to work in an environment where the aim is to provide excellent customer service to all customers.

You will deal with every aspect of the planning process from pre-application discussions, processing, negotiating and determining planning applications and all aspects of post decision work, including appeal and enforcement work when required. Dependant on experience, the post 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.

A thorough understanding of planning legislation is essential together, ideally, with a successful, demonstrable track record of working in a local planning authority, or similar environment, with minimal supervision. Effective case management experience and a high standard of work is also essential. As well as an experienced planner seeking full time work, this role may also be suitable as a part time post for a suitable candidate.

Crawley is a great place to work, with a thriving business district and excellent transport connections including nearby Gatwick Airport. We are based in our modern Town Hall which opened in 2023 and is located a short walk from the town centre and railway station.

Additional information

This is a one year fixed term contract.

Occasional support at evening meetings may be required. A full and current UK driving licence is a requirement of the role.

Employee benefits

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

At Crawley Borough Council, you will have access to a structured programme of learning from day one, designed to help you succeed in your role and grow your career.

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 roles, contact Development Management: email marc.robinson@crawley.gov.uk, Principal Planning Officer or email jean.mcpherson@crawley.gov.uk Group Manager Development Management.