Planning Officer (Career Grade)

Overview

In this Career Grade Planning Officer role, you determine planning applications and support sustainable growth across Havering. You join the Planning Applications Team to manage varied caseloads, provide professional advice, and contribute to regeneration aligned with the Havering Local Plan. The role adapts to your level, offering progression through a clear career grade while developing expertise in development management. You will work with stakeholders to deliver a high-quality, customer-focused planning service and guide junior colleagues. This is a chance to shape Havering’s future in a dynamic, borough-wide programme of regeneration.

Pay / Benefits

• structured career progression
• CPD support
• diverse workload
• influence regeneration and growth
• flexible and hybrid working
• Local Government Pension Scheme

Responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of planning applications and appeals
• Assessing development proposals and preparing professional recommendations
• Providing high-quality pre-application advice
• Undertaking site visits and engaging with applicants, agents and residents
• Presenting items at Planning Committee where required
• Defending the Council’s decisions at appeal
• Working collaboratively to deliver a customer-focused planning service
• Supporting and mentoring junior colleagues at senior levels

Key requirements

• A planning-related or other relevant degree and/or appropriate planning experience
• Sound understanding of planning principles and development management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
• Commitment to delivering excellent customer service
• Ability to analyse complex issues and make balanced professional judgements
• Collaborative approach and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

• communication
• analytical thinking
• decision-making
• planning principles
• development management
• site visits and inspections

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