Planning Officer​/Senior Planning Officer

Reading Borough Council

37 hours per week – Full Time – Fixed term for 18 months

• Fixed term
• Full time
• Temporary
• Reading
• Posted 6 days ago
• £28,142 to £47,181 per year
• Closes: 19 July 2026

We’re looking for ambitious and motivated Planning Officer or Senior Planning Officer to join our Planning Team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping sustainable, high-quality development and making a real difference to our communities. Whether you’re early in your planning career or an experienced Senior Planner, we offer a supportive environment and varied caseload.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We support hybrid working; it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.

Planning Officer – RG4 SCP
11 to RG5 SCP
25 – £28,142 to £36,363 per year

Senior Planning Officer – RG5 SCP
25 to RG7b SCP
36 – £36,363 to £47,181 per year

At Reading Borough Council, you’ll work on an exciting mix of development proposals in a place that’s continually evolving.

As part of our Planning Team, you’ll manage a varied caseload of planning applications, working closely with residents, developers, elected Members and colleagues across the Council to deliver positive planning outcomes.

• Manage a diverse caseload ranging from householder applications through to complex minor and straightforward major developments.
• Assess planning applications and undertake site visits.
• Prepare high-quality delegated and committee reports with clear, well-reasoned recommendations.
• Provide pre-application advice and negotiate with applicants to achieve high-quality development.
• Prepare appeal statements and represent the Council where appropriate.
• Provide planning advice to residents and customers through our duty planning service.
• Contribute to delivering an efficient, customer-focused planning service.

• Manage more complex and politically sensitive planning applications.
• Present applications at Planning Committee.
• Mentor and support junior colleagues.
• Lead negotiations on larger schemes and contribute to service improvements.

We’re looking for enthusiastic planners who are passionate about creating sustainable places and delivering excellent customer service.

• A recognised degree in Planning (or a related subject) or working towards one.
• Eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Strong analytical, written and communication skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
• For Senior Planning Officer appointments, significant Development Management experience and the confidence to manage more complex applications with minimal supervision.

• Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
• On‑site day nursery rated outstanding by Ofsted.
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey to and from work.
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme – lease a brand new, greener car for three years; the monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.