We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, conscientious and enthusiastic individual to join our Planning Applications team. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation focused on delivering a high-quality planning service to provide growth and development in accordance with our adopted Local Plan.

You will manage your own caseload of householder planning applications and discharge of planning condition submissions, whilst carrying out a range of functions within the planning applications team, including dealing with planning enquiries and complaints as well as providing technical advice to planning technical assistants.

This is an exciting career opportunity for those interested in shaping the built environment for existing and future communities in the district.

Main Duties:

To process under the supervision of a Principal Planning Officer, applications made under the Planning Act, predominantly householder applications, as well as submissions of details pursuant to conditions of planning permissions.

Negotiate with and advise developers, agents and members of the public on householder (or equivalent level) planning applications.

Visit application sites to assess proposals when necessary and make recommendations and suggest appropriate conditions to the Principal Planning Officer.

Assist in preparation of planning committee presentation.
Handle administration of planning appeals including completion of detailed questionnaires where necessary.
Provide general planning advice and guidance to the public and professional representatives: including telephone enquiries and written advice.

Undertake any other duties appropriate to the character of the job as may reasonably be required, from time to time, within the Department.

Essential Requirements:

Basic knowledge of planning law and practice
Interpersonal, negotiation and diplomatic skills when engaging with individuals, developers, statutory and non-statutory consultees, and internal and external parties.
Ability to explain sometimes complex technical information and procedures in simple terms to the public
Ability to interpret plans and drawings and assess technical information submitted with planning applications
The creativity to resolve problems and potential conflict between developers and objectors and thus achieve positive outcome for all stakeholders
Ability to understand and appreciate planning law, applying professional judgment in objectively assessing case law and procedures and conclude in a clear and precise manner.
Ability to manage your own workload and commitment to meeting deadlines.

Thanet is a great place to live and work...

Our historic seaside towns of Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs and surrounding villages are rich in heritage and opportunity. With 19 miles of stunning coastline, our beautiful Blue Flag beaches, the internationally renowned Turner Contemporary, and the UK’s only Royal Harbour are all just a short train ride from central London thanks to the high-speed rail link. Our proximity to the port of Dover and the Eurotunnel at Folkestone mean Europe is literally on our doorstep too.

All of this, combined with a flexible approach to how we work makes it an exciting time to join Thanet District Council. We have set our sights high. We want our residents to enjoy the highest quality services. We want to ensure that by listening to local people, working in active partnership and doing things in an innovative way, we can accelerate improvement to meet the challenges ahead.

Our staff benefits package include

Competitive salary
Flexible working hours
Possibility of remote/hybrid working
Flexible annual leave and working arrangements
Local Government Pension Scheme membership
Reduced cost leisure membership, including Theatre tickets and sporting activities
An extensive Employee Wellbeing package

This post requires you to have a full driving licence and own transport with business insurance or requires travelling to sites in a timely manner equivalent to motor travel in your own car.

Due to the nature of the role, this is a politically restricted post.

For more information please contact iain.livingstone@thanet.gov.uk or emma.fibbens@thanet.gov.uk

Interview dates - w/c 29th June and 6th July