Senior Planning Officer

Maidstone, United Kingdom | Posted on 23/06/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That's why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries.

These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Purpose

To undertake the Council's responsibilities for the control of development under the Town and Country Planning Acts and related legislation within the Borough. The postholder will assess planning applications and breaches of planning control, provide professional planning advice, and contribute to the effective delivery of development management services while supporting the wider planning team.

• Assess, appraise, and determine planning applications, planning appeals, and breaches of planning control in accordance with planning legislation, policy, and material considerations.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for delegated decisions and Planning Committee determinations.
• Advise Planning Committee members and present cases at committee meetings as required.
• Represent the Council at appeals, hearings, public inquiries, and court proceedings where necessary.
• Negotiate with applicants, agents, developers, and stakeholders to achieve positive planning outcomes and resolve planning issues.
• Maintain a high standard of decision‑making and contribute to achieving service performance targets, with a strong emphasis on pre-application engagement.
• Investigate alleged breaches of planning control and undertake site visits, including occasional visits outside normal working hours.
• Assist with the validation of planning applications where required.
• Support and mentor junior staff and provide management support to the Team Leader when necessary.
• Contribute to continuous service improvement within Development Management.
• Ensure compliance with Council policies, including Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, IT Security, and Emergency Planning requirements.
• Undertake training, professional development, and any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Qualifications & Professional Membership

• Degree in Planning or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Member of the MRTPI or eligible for membership.
• Full driving licence and ability to travel across the Borough.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of planning law, planning policy, and development management.
• Knowledge of planning appeals, enforcement, heritage, and tree-related matters.
• Understanding of equal opportunities and inclusive working practices.
• Advanced knowledge of viability assessments, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, case law, and design principles (desirable).

Experience

• Significant experience in local government planning and development management.
• Extensive experience dealing with planning applications, enforcement matters, and appeals.
• Experience securing legal agreements (desirable).
• Previous management or supervisory experience (desirable).

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent written communication skills, including report writing, correspondence, and appeal statements.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills, including handling complex or challenging stakeholder discussions.
• Ability to assess and evaluate complex and often conflicting information.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to collect, analyse, and interpret planning data.
• Political awareness and sensitivity.
• Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of service delivery.