In April 2015 the Government established the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC), an Urban Development Corporation with development management planning powers to deliver a new Garden City at Ebbsfleet in North Kent.

Ebbsfleet Garden City; where London meets the Garden of England is an exciting new community of up to 15,000 homes and 30,000 jobs. The Garden City is focused around Ebbsfleet International Railway Station and also embraces the existing communities of Swanscombe, Northfleet, Greenhithe and the adjacent towns of Dartford and Gravesend.

The EDC is working collaboratively with public and private sector partners and local stakeholders, investing in forward funding infrastructure and unblocking and accelerating development at pace. The Garden City is gathering momentum and over 2,000 new homes have been completed. Strongly supported by Central Government the EDC’s Board has set out a vision for the first new Garden City for 100 years and the largest new town in 45 years. Further information can be accessed at https://ebbsfleetdc.org.uk/

In October 2019, EDC acquired 125ha of land surrounding Ebbsfleet International Station known as Ebbsfleet Central. Ebbsfleet Central will form the mixed use commercial and residential heart of Ebbsfleet Garden City. EDC is now working to deliver the vision and ambition for Ebbsfleet Central.

The Corporation is now recruiting to the role of Planning Officer.

Overall Purpose:

To contribute to the work of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation in fulfilling its statutory role as Local Planning Authority (Development Management). The Planning Officer would have a case load of smaller development proposals/applications whilst also providing support to senior planning colleagues in the delivery of major schemes and corporate projects.

The successful candidate would be contributing directly to planning decisions affecting the Garden City and its residents, helping to shape the future of Ebbsfleet. Working at the Development Corporation provides a great opportunity for anyone who is keen to learn and develop as a planning professional working with a range of landowners and developers. The planning team work closely with a range of partners throughout the lifetime of a development to support the delivery of high quality schemes. The role would suit someone early in their career who is enthusiastic, proactive and keen to learn. The Corporation will support any learning required to fulfil the role.

Reporting Arrangements:

The post-holder will report to a Principal Planning Delivery Officer within the Planning Directorate.

Main Accountabilities and Responsibilities

You will be required to:-

• Effectively and efficiently deal with a range of development proposals including providing pre-application advice, determining applications to meet statutory timescales and dealing with any post decision/delivery matters;
• Evaluate and make sound recommendations on the planning merits of development proposals by producing delegated and committee reports and presenting applications at planning committee where required;
• Engage with relevant developers and stakeholders to negotiate effectively on behalf of the EDC to ensure the delivery of high quality development;
• Assist with planning compliance and enforcement matters where required;
• Provide advice and information on planning issues to residents, developers and stakeholders;
• Prepare evidence for planning appeals as necessary;
• Ensure effective liaison with other functions within the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, local councils and external agencies as appropriate;
• Attend public meetings, site visits, inspections and exhibitions which may take place at evenings and weekends;
• Take reasonable care of own safety and to co-operate with managers/supervisors in complying with statutory health & safety duties; and
• Such other non-recurring duties appropriate to the post as may be directed.

The criteria for this role are as follows:

Essential

• Educated to degree level in a planning related subject
• Ability to interpret and assess plans, policy and legislation
• Ability to communicate at all levels
• Be positive and proactive
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Sound organisational skills
• Ability to meet deadlines, to work independently using judgement as to when to seek assistance.
• Good IT skills, including use of MS Word, Outlook and Powerpoint

Desirable

• Experience of working as a planning officer and/or in a planning environment
• Experience of using a Planning IT system (e.g. uniform)

Other Information

Based in Ebbsfleet, North Kent

Working week of 37 hours, between Monday to Friday with occasional evening or weekend work