Planning Officer (Policy)

About us

Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas. We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best.

In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.

The work you will be doing

It’s a busy time for the Planning Policy team at Swale and we need an enthusiastic and conscientious Planning Officer to join us and help progress our Local Plan review.

With coastline, countryside and towns, we can offer diverse and interesting experience working with a supportive and committed team.

You will be involved in the preparation and implementation of development and design policies and advice, as well as the production of evidence bases, development briefs and planning guidance.

You will also be responsible for preparing and presenting the Council’s case at appeals, inquiries, hearings, Court Hearings and Examinations in Public commensurate to grade; and will support the preparation and presentation of reports to member Working Groups and Committees as required.

What you will bring to this role

You will hold an appropriate undergraduate degree/diploma.

You should have a good understanding of the roles of a variety of consultees including Ward Councillors and Statutory Consultees, as well as Local and National policy making and the process of Local Plan and other Policy consultations.

Additionally, you will have excellent knowledge of the principal differences between planning in the urban area and the countryside.

We are interested in hearing from positive, energetic and conscientious candidates with a passion for planning policy. Applicants should be well organised and able to work on their own initiative as well as part of a team.

What we can offer

If you choose to join us in this interesting role, we will provide you with a great benefits package that includes a competitive salary and access to our desirable local Government Pension Scheme.

You will receive 30 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and an extra day at Christmas.

We want you to find the perfect work-life balance, so flexible working options will be considered, plus you will have access to a range of additional benefits such as discounts on high street chains and leisure centres, plus our cycle-to-work scheme.

Above all else, you will find an inclusive and supportive working environment, in which your professional and personal wellbeing are important to us.

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Natalie Earl on 01795 417023 or Stuart Watson on 01795 417007

Closing Date: 12 May 2024.

Interview Date: w/c 27 May 2024.

To apply, please send CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role to hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk

Link to JD here: Planning-Officer-Policy-JD-SBC-April-24.pdf (maidstone.gov.uk)