Due to promotion and retirement, we have two Team Leader posts within our busy Development Management Team.

Wealden is a large rural district council located in a stunning area of the South East of England reaching from the south coast either side of Eastbourne and the South Downs National Park, up to the High Weald and Ashdown Forest along the borders of Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead in the north.

Whilst Wealden is a rural area, much of which is within High Weald AONB, it does have a very buoyant local economy being so close to London, Gatwick Airport and key UK holiday destinations.  Consequently, it receives significant numbers of planning applications for a range of new housing, conversions and employment schemes which makes it one of the busiest district planning authorities in the country.

Reporting to the Development Manager, you will be responsible for leading and managing one of the Development Management teams to ensure that planning applications and agreements are determined in line with planning legislation and Council policies. We endeavour to work co-operatively with developers, applicants, businesses and agents to achieve the best possible outcomes.

You will be preparing reports and attending briefing meetings, Committees and Sub-Committees and must have excellent interpersonal skills to represent the Council at all levels and to liaise effectively with other departments across the organisation and externally. 

You will be an experienced officer knowledgeable in the field of Development Management and be supervising staff in your present role. You will have a degree level standard of education in a relevant subject and be eligible for full membership of the RTPI. This position offers a challenge to an experienced senior planning officer looking to take on additional responsibility.

We offer an excellent package including competitive salary, relocation allowance where applicable, career average salary pension scheme, some homeworking, an employee benefit scheme offering a range of discounts and salary sacrifice schemes, flexitime and discounted leisure centre membership.

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

For an informal chat please contact Stacey Robins Head of Planning and Environmental Services (Stacey.Robins@wealden.gov.uk)