Senior Planning Officer

Senior Planning Officer – Hastings Borough Council

Employer: Hastings Borough Council
Location: Hastings
Working pattern: Hybrid / Agile working
Sector: Planning – Development Management
Salary: £35,412 – £44,075 per year
Market supplement: 10% (£3,541.20 – £4,405.50 per year)
Additional staff allowance: £3,336 for parking and travel costs
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week

About the Role

Hastings Borough Council is recruiting a Senior Planning Officer to join its Development Management Team.

The successful candidate will deal with planning applications, pre-applications and appeals, supporting high-quality development and regeneration while protecting the environment and historic character of the borough.

The Council is open to applications from qualified or experienced candidates. Relevant qualifications are welcomed, but applicants without them may still be considered where they have at least two years’ experience dealing with planning applications and are willing to undertake relevant training.

Key Responsibilities

The role will involve:

• Assessing and determining planning applications.
• Dealing with larger household applications and large minor applications.
• Occasionally handling small major applications.
• Dealing with pre-applications and appeals.
• Reading and assessing planning drawings and documentation.
• Preparing accurate and concise reports.
• Negotiating and resolving planning matters effectively.
• Managing workloads to meet Council and Government targets.
• Applying relevant planning legislation and policy.
• Supporting growth, regeneration and high-quality development.
• Presenting matters at meetings, including Planning Committee.
• Working with colleagues and customers as part of a busy Development Management Team.

What the Council is Looking For

Applicants should have:

• At least two years’ experience dealing with planning applications.
• Knowledge of Development Management.
• Knowledge of planning legislation and policy at local, regional and national levels.
• Ability to assess planning applications and plans.
• Ability to produce clear and accurate reports.
• Strong organisational and project-management skills.
• Ability to work to deadlines and targets.
• Excellent communication and customer-care skills.
• Ability to work flexibly as part of a team.
• Experience assessing and determining planning applications is desirable.

Relevant planning qualifications are welcomed but not essential, as the Council states that training opportunities can be provided.

Salary and Additional Payments

The basic salary is £35,412 – £44,075 per year.

A 10% market supplement is currently payable in addition to the basic salary, equivalent to £3,541.20 – £4,405.50 per year.

An additional £3,336 staff allowance is also provided to cover parking and travel costs.

The market supplement is reviewed every 12 months and may be reduced or withdrawn following a review if market evidence no longer supports its continuation.

Working Arrangements and Benefits

The role offers:

• Full-time employment, 37 hours per week.
• Permanent contract.
• Hybrid/agile working, including home working.
• Flexible working hours through the Council’s flexitime scheme, subject to service requirements.
• Annual leave starting from 27 days plus bank holidays.
• Pension scheme.
• Training and personal development opportunities.

Sponsorship

The vacancy information provided does not state that visa sponsorship is available. Applicants who require sponsorship should confirm their eligibility and sponsorship position directly with Hastings Borough Council before applying.

Application Process

Applications must be completed online through the LG Jobs vacancy. Hastings Borough Council states that it does not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Contact: Eleanor Evans
Telephone: 01424 783251
Email: eevans@hastings.gov.uk