Planning Officer; Career Grade

Planning Technician | Planning Officer | Senior Planning Officer London Borough of Havering Help Shape the Future of Havering

Havering is one of London's fastest-growing boroughs, with ambitious regeneration programmes, significant housing delivery and exciting development opportunities. We are looking for talented planning professionals to join our Development Management team and help deliver high-quality growth across the borough

Havering is one of London's fastest-growing boroughs, with ambitious regeneration programmes, significant housing delivery and exciting development opportunities. We are looking for talented planning professionals to join our Development Management team and help deliver high-quality growth across the borough

Whether you are starting your planning career, looking to develop your professional experience, or seeking your next senior role, our Career Grade structure offers a clear pathway for progression and professional development

As a Career Grade Planning Officer, you will play a key role in determining planning applications and supporting the delivery of sustainable development across Havering. Working within our Planning Applications team, you will manage a varied caseload, provide professional planning advice and contribute to the regeneration of the borough in line with the Havering Local Plan.

Depending on your experience and grade, responsibilities will include:

• 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 an excellent customer-focused planning service.
• Supporting and mentoring junior colleagues at senior levels.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about planning and place-making, with strong analytical, communication and decision-making skills.

You will have:

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

We are looking particularly to appoint candidates with the skills and experience to start at the upper levels of the career grade but will also consider applications from candidates at other stages of their planning career:

Suitable for graduates, aspiring planners and those seeking to develop a career in planning. You'll work on straightforward planning applications while building your knowledge and experience.

You'll manage a more diverse caseload, including larger and more complex applications, while developing greater autonomy in decision-making and stakeholder engagement

You'll lead on complex planning applications and appeals, provide expert planning advice and support the development of junior team members. Senior officers…