Planning Officer

Job description

Job: Planning Officer

Location: London (Hybrid Working)

Contract: 6 months contract (strong possibility of extension)

Rate: £40–£45 per hour

A London Local Authority is seeking a motivated and customer-focused Planning Officer to join its Development Management team. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a busy planning service, managing a varied caseload of applications and contributing to the delivery of high-quality development across the borough.

The Role

As a Planning Officer, you will be responsible for assessing and managing a range of planning applications, providing professional planning advice, and supporting the delivery of an efficient and outcome-focused planning service.

You will work closely with applicants, residents, internal departments, statutory consultees, and elected members to ensure planning decisions are robust, timely, and aligned with local and national planning policy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a caseload of planning applications, including householder, minor and other development proposals.
• Assessing planning applications and preparing clear, well-reasoned reports and recommendations.
• Undertaking site visits and evaluating proposals against planning policy and relevant legislation.
• Providing pre-application advice to applicants, developers and residents.
• Assisting with planning appeals, including preparing statements and supporting evidence.
• Liaising with internal teams, external stakeholders and statutory consultees throughout the planning process.
• Presenting applications and recommendations at Planning Committee where required.
• Contributing to service improvements and supporting the achievement of performance targets.
• Maintaining accurate records and ensuring applications are processed within statutory timescales.
• Working collaboratively across the Planning Service to deliver positive development outcomes.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A degree-level qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant planning experience.
• Experience working within Development Management, either in a local authority or private sector environment.
• Knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy and development management processes.
• Experience assessing planning applications and preparing professional reports.
• Strong analytical, organisational and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively to deadlines.
• A proactive, collaborative and customer-focused approach.

Desirable Experience

• Experience dealing with planning appeals.
• Experience presenting applications at Planning Committee.
• Knowledge of complex planning issues such as Green Belt, heritage and conservation matters.
• Membership of, or eligibility for, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Experience working within a London local authority environment.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

City of London

Type of Contract

Full Time Jobs

Published at

19-06-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English