Senior Planner (DCO)

Job details

Salary: £49,009 to £52,307 per annum (inclusive of allowances)
Location: Civic Centre, Gravesend
Status: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing date: 25 May 2026

The role

This role sits within the Environment Directorate, which is a forward-looking team responsible for shaping sustainable growth, delivering major infrastructure, and ensuring high-quality planning services across the borough. The team works collaboratively across council services, developers, and the community to guide development and maximise local benefits.
As a Senior Planner in the Development Management Service, you will play a central role in delivering the council’s strategic objectives by contributing to nationally significant infrastructure projects and development consent orders, such as the Lower Thames Crossing.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated and organised team member who can support the Council's response to the Lower Thames Crossing and other DCO's, ensuring positive outcomes for the Borough's residents and our environment.

Skills, qualifications or experience required

Degree in Planning or an equivalent qualification
Chartered Membership of the RTPI
Experience dealing with a range of planning applications, including complex cases
Sound professional judgement and strong analytical skills
Good written and verbal communication and negotiation skills
Ability to present reports and provide advice at committee
A calm, professional approach to customer service, including contentious situations
For full details of the role, responsibilities and essential criteria, please refer to the job description.

Working for Gravesham

We are committed to delivering to the community and working with us means you are part of delivering the level of growth and improvement our community needs and deserves. A range of services have been provided to over 106,000 people and 4,000 businesses.
The Borough of Gravesham, situated in the north west corner of Kent, covers 25,000 acres of the most varied countryside in south east England. Bordered by the River Thames to the north, it is at the heart of Thames Gateway and has a significant role to play in the regeneration of a major government growth area.
Read more information about working for us
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Benefits

A minimum of 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
Membership to Local Government Pension Scheme - Local Government Pension Scheme
Access to over 1000+ instant discounts from favourite retailers, restaurants, food delivery services and attractions via our benefits portal VivUp.
Career development, training opportunities and access to e-learning
Access to eye care vouchers and VDU Glasses
External Occupational Health service
Cycle to Work Scheme
Hybrid working
Access to Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
Free parking

Important Information

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job description.
Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please call Shazad Ghani on 01474 337483.
The proposed interview date for this role is 4 June 2026.

How to apply

We are no longer accepting applications by email.
You can now apply for this job via our online form. You will be asked to select the job you are applying for and upload a CV and supporting statement. You will also need to provide details of 2 references so please have these available when starting your application.
You should submit your application by 25 May 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Apply for this job
All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email, if you require documentation in different format such as braille or large print, please contact the Human Resources Team on 01474 337374.

Job Profile

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