Senior Planning Project Officer (Compliance and Community Engagement)
Employer: East Herts Council
Location: Hertford, SG13 8EQ
Salary: £42,876–£46,282 per year (inclusive of local weighting, pro rata)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Number of Vacancies: 1
Job Category: Planning
Reference: eastherts/TP/2369/172
Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the original advert. Applicants requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship should confirm availability directly with the council before applying.
About the Job
East Herts Council is looking for a Senior Planning Project Officer to join its Gilston Area Planning Team, helping oversee one of the country’s major new garden town developments.
The Gilston Area development will deliver approximately 10,000 new homes alongside essential community infrastructure over an estimated 25-year period. Planning permission was granted in January 2025, and the project will involve further detailed planning applications, conditions and infrastructure commitments as development progresses.
The successful candidate will help monitor development milestones, ensure planning obligations are met, and support effective communication between the council, developers, stakeholders and local communities.
This opportunity is suitable for an experienced planning or project management professional who can coordinate complex projects and help ensure that development meets approved standards and community expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include:
- Monitoring development progress to help ensure approved designs are implemented and infrastructure is delivered on time and to the required standard.
- Ensuring that information required under legal agreements is provided.
- Keeping stakeholders and local communities informed about construction milestones and development activities.
- Managing or coordinating complex planning applications, planning policy projects or projects involving multiple stakeholders and workstreams.
- Liaising with council officers, developers, their agents, statutory bodies and local communities.
- Explaining complex planning matters and legal documents in clear, accessible language.
- Maintaining accurate records and reporting on development progress.
- Keeping up to date with relevant case law, national and local planning policies, and community needs.
- Presenting monitoring reports at committee meetings, Community Forums, Development Management Forums and Steering Groups.
- Responding promptly to customer enquiries and needs.
- Providing guidance, training and support to other team members.
The role also requires visits and inspections at development sites and other locations within and beyond the district.
Essential Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants should have:
- Experience dealing with major development proposals or complex projects involving multiple workstreams.
- Experience and understanding of the planning legal obligations process.
- Project management experience.
- Experience handling planning issues and communicating them at committee meetings and public forums.
- Experience mentoring, guiding and supporting junior colleagues.
- A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town and Country Planning, or an equivalent qualification in a relevant field such as project management or engagement.
- A current, valid driving licence.
- Access to your own vehicle and the ability to travel across the district, occasionally at short notice.
Salary and Employee Benefits
East Herts Council offers a range of benefits, including:
- Annual leave: 26–29 days, increasing to 34 days after five years of local government service.
- Flexible working: Flexible arrangements, including flexitime.
- Hybrid working: Up to 50% working from home for eligible posts.
- Pension: Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Professional development: Opportunities to learn new skills and work across departments.
- Wellbeing support: Access to the Employee Assistance Programme and occupational health schemes.
- Business travel: Use of the council’s electric fleet during business hours for work-related visits.
- Parking: Free parking at council offices and selected council-owned car parks during business hours.
- Leisure discounts: Discounts at council-owned leisure centres.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with colleagues across councils in Hertfordshire and the East of England.
- Employee activities: Wellbeing initiatives, social events and opportunities to interact with other teams.
The council also highlights career development and a supportive professional environment.
Training and Experience
This is a senior position requiring previous experience in planning, project management or complex development projects.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience with planning obligations, stakeholder engagement and communicating planning matters in public or committee settings.
The advert states that the successful candidate will provide guidance, training and support to colleagues. However, it does not explicitly confirm that formal training will be provided to the person appointed.
Visa Sponsorship Information
Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not confirmed in the original advert.
East Herts Council has not stated whether sponsorship is available for this vacancy. If you are applying from outside the UK or need sponsorship to work in the UK, contact the council before applying to confirm whether the position is eligible.
Although the advertised salary is £42,876–£46,282, salary alone does not guarantee Skilled Worker visa eligibility. The applicable immigration rules, occupation eligibility and the employer’s ability to sponsor the role must also be considered.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should read the official vacancy details and job description before submitting an application through East Herts Council’s recruitment website.
Apply online: https://eastherts.tribepad-gro.com/members/modules/job/detail.php?record=172
For an informal discussion about the role, contact:
- Martin Plummer, Service Manager – Development Management and Enforcement: 01992 532080.
- Jenny Pierce, Gilston Area Team Leader: 07936 925718.
The council normally appoints new employees at the first salary point of the relevant grade. A higher point may be considered where a candidate provides clear evidence of relevant skills and experience, subject to the required approval.
East Herts Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and providing equal employment opportunities.
Important Information
- Closing date: Not stated in the supplied advert. Check the official recruitment page for updates.
- Visa sponsorship: Not confirmed; contact the employer for clarification.
- Driving requirement: A valid driving licence and access to your own vehicle are required.
- Working arrangement: Up to 50% working from home is available for eligible posts.
Source: East Herts Council
Vacancy Reference: eastherts/TP/2369/172