Planning Officer

Woking Borough Council is seeking a Planning Officer to join the Development Management Team on a full-time, permanent basis.  The Council’s forward-thinking attitude and pioneering approach to building sustainable communities makes work in Development Management both exciting and challenging. Significant growth is planned with an emphasis on town centre regeneration to complement recently delivered improvements. By contrast, 60% of the borough is designated as Green Belt and forms the backdrop to a number of villages which retain much of their original character.

Reporting to the Deputy Development Manager, the postholder will be responsible for processing a range of planning applications and appeals, providing planning advice to the general public, developers and applicants and dealing with general planning enquiries. 

We are looking for a self-motivated individual with a positive outlook, excellent communication skills and a commitment to customer-focused services The successful candidate will ideally be degree educated in a relevant discipline, or currently studying at an equivalent level. Knowledge of planning legislation is essential as are strong report writing skills and a commitment to delivering an excellent service to applicants, the general public and the Council. Local Planning Authority experience and experience of dealing with planning applications and other planning work is desirable but not essential. 

In return, we can offer you the chance to develop your career in a friendly team within our progressive authority, a generous flexi-time scheme with the ability to take two flexi days a month, membership of the local government pension scheme, discounted health and leisure membership, plus many more excellent benefits.

It is a requirement for this role that applicants hold a valid full UK Driving License in order to be able to undertake site visits but, as we emerge from the Covid pandemic, a hybrid approach to working from home and being in the office is encouraged.

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Dan Freeland, Deputy Development Manager on 01483 743435 or daniel.freeland@woking.gov.uk.