At Kingston, we are passionate about our Royal Borough and want to be known as a Council that is an exemplar for citizen engagement. This is a new era for the Council, and we are redefining the relationships we have with our residents, community groups, businesses, voluntary sector, central government and other partners. 

We have recently reviewed the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure service and consequently have a number of exciting opportunities. The service encompasses Development Management, Enforcement, Planning Policy and Building Control. We are looking to develop a resilient and outcome focused service that focuses on the customer’s needs. We do embed a constructive culture in which staff are empowered to work in a collaborative and cohesive way where everyone  knows the behaviours and responsibilities expected of them. 

The Royal Borough of Kingston finds itself at a pivotal point of change, the Draft London Plan provides a strong indication that the number of households in the borough is predicted to rise significantly over the next two decades with housing targets expected to increase from 643 units to 1,364 units per year. Over the London Plan Period to 2031 Kingston will be expected to build approximately 23,000 new homes and a target of 50% affordable housing. The role of the service is pivotal to achieving good growth within this context.

A range of new exciting roles have been developed which seeks to provide resilience as well as ensuring we maximise the opportunities of digitisation, partnership working and providing excellent customer service

About the role
Principal Planners are required presently across Development Management, who will sign off cases and provide mentoring with the Senior Planners, Planners and assistant Planners. Whilst caseloads will be allocated, these will be small in comparison to those carried by Seniors (who will deal with a variety of complex minors and small majors)
 

About You
If you are interested in being part of this exciting journey of change and feel you have the requisite skills and outlook, we would be delighted to hear from you. 

Benefits we offer

Kingston Council has good access to central London and our offices are a short walk from the station based in the middle of the historic and vibrant high street next to the open spaces of the river Thames, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities; all making for a desirable place to live and work. 

The successful candidate will have access to a wide range of staff benefits, some of which include:

·  29 days annual leave - In addition you will receive 8 statutory bank holidays

·  Local government pension scheme

·  Interest free season loan ticket

·  Cycle to work and Zip Car Scheme

·  Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres

·  Comprehensive Learning and Development programme

·  A forward thinking and networked organisation where employee’s views are valued.

·  Modern and flexible working environment allowing employees to benefit from agile working practices.

Apply

Interested? Please apply online by uploading your CV and supporting statement. Please ensure you refer to the role profile when completing your supporting statement.

The Royal Borough of Kingston is Disability Confident Committed.  We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role and ensure that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible. 

We particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are under represented within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

Closing date: 29th December 2019