Senior Planning Officer, Development Management

Looking for a role where you can sink your teeth into a range of large or complex major planning applications? Are you passionate about sustainable development and delivering for local communities? Look no further, this role is for you!

 

Who?

The Majors Team, part of our large Development Management service, consider some of the largest and most controversial planning applications in the district. The team does crucial work in helping the Council to deliver on its key goals of building new homes and creating employment opportunities in a sustainable way.

Perhaps you’ve been looking for that opportunity to step up having tested the water with some majors work or maybe you are an experienced planner looking for the challenges of working in district with a high level of growth. Whoever you are, we are looking for someone who can process major applications to help achieve the Council’s aspirations.

 

What will you be doing?

• Preparing planning reports on major and significant development proposals and presenting those schemes to planning committee.
• Providing advice and conducting negotiations with developers 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.

 

What do you need?

• Substantial experience in planning and the application of expert knowledge within a planning policy or development management context.
• 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.

 

What do we offer?

• Working for a great, forward-thinking Local Authority.
• Excellent salary, pension, flexible working, fantastic employee benefits and comprehensive staff health & wellbeing scheme.
• A friendly, supportive team and a range of opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Hybrid working with the ability to work from home as well as from our newly refurbished offices in Hailsham.
• Free parking.
• Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK.

 

For more information

For more information and an informal chat about the opportunities please contact Claire Turner, Team Leader on 01892 602541, or Samuel Batchelor, Development Manager on 01892 602552.

 

Post Number: H1010

Closing Date: 4 July 2025

Interview Date: W/c 14 July 2025

 

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.

 

To Apply

Please visit our ‘How to Apply’ page for advice on how best to complete your application.

Click on the “Apply Online Now” link to be taken to our online recruitment portal. You will be prompted to log in to your existing account or create a new one. Remember to add a contact email address and mobile number when applying.

Please note applications could time out. So, ensure you have created an account and save your information as you go along. We would suggest you keep a copy of your personal statement on a separate document until you are ready to paste this into your application and submit.

If you are unable to apply online, have a query or require an alternative application method, please email human.resources@wealden.gov.uk or call 01892 602424. Make sure you know the post number and include it in your email or provide it when asked during your telephone call.

 

Job Description