Planning Administration Officer (Appeals) 1 Year FTC

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Planning Administration Officer to provide specialist administrative and coordination support for planning appeals, hearings and inquiries. The role also provides discrete support to Planning Policy and limited support to Planning Enforcement, helping ensure the effective operation of the wider Planning Service.

The Role

This role focuses on the coordination and administration of planning appeals, hearings and inquiries. You will manage documentation and timetables, monitor statutory deadlines, maintain accurate records and support the preparation and submission of appeal statements and evidence.

You will act as a key point of contact for stakeholders, respond to planning-related enquiries, and provide administrative support to planning policy consultations, monitoring work and occasional enforcement activities. The role requires strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Who we’re looking for:

We are seeking someone with a good standard of general education (including Maths and English or equivalent experience) and strong administrative skills. You will be confident using IT systems, including MS Office and document management systems, and have the ability to work with complex information accurately and sensitively.

You will be an effective communicator, able to liaise professionally with officers, councillors, residents and external stakeholders, and will be comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, initiative and the ability to problem‑solve are essential.

Experience of customer-facing work, working within a planning or local authority environment, or familiarity with the planning appeals process would be an advantage, as would some knowledge of planning law or Council procedures. Above all, we are looking for someone who is flexible, resourceful and committed to delivering a high-quality service, with a strong understanding of data protection, equality and diversity.

What we offer

When you join us your expertise, skills and experience will be valued, and your career development will be our priority.

We are committed to creating a collaborative and innovative environment which empowers you to thrive. You will be part of a friendly, supportive One Team culture with the chance to make a real difference.

We use Viva Engage to keep you connected and engaged and we hold regular face to face meetings, such as Chief Executive briefings to keep you in the loop.

We are conveniently located close to Oxted Station and have some on-site parking.

In addition to the stated pay, we offer membership and contributions towards the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working (giving you the opportunity to work from home for up to three days a week), flexi-time, payment of a relevant professional subscription and access to a discounted health scheme.

Please visit our website for more information about working for us www.tandridge.gov.uk/jobs and download our Working for Tandridge guide.

Diversity statement

At Tandridge District Council, we pride ourselves on maintaining an inclusive workplace, ensuring equality, fairness, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do and good practice is embedded in the Council’s culture and services.

We welcome applications from all sectors of our community, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and all groups protected under the Equality Act.

Tandridge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Want to know more?

If this sounds like your kind of challenge and you want to be part of our friendly and supportive team, we would love to hear from you.

If you would like to find out more, please read our role profile and specification, or for an informal discussion about the role, please e-mail Adiba Choudhury at achoudhury@tandridge.gov.uk

Local Government Reorganisation

The government is reorganising local councils in Surrey. The current two-tier system where services are split between Surrey County Council and district or borough councils, will be replaced by two new unitary councils - East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council.

East Surrey Council will cover Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge District managing all local services, including housing, planning, waste, education, roads and social care.

Although this may lead to some uncertainty for anyone considering a role with us, we need to continue to provide services.

When the new councils are created in April 2027, most staff will transfer to the new council on their current terms and conditions. Being part of a larger organisation may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety.

The majority of the roles we currently have will still be needed whether that is for planning, housing, recycling and waste, finance, IT, HR etc. Find out more about what local government reorganisation means for us

Find out more about what local government reorganisation means for us.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We understand that some applicants may use AI tools to assist with preparing their applications.

All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience and qualifications.

Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.