About Tonbridge and Malling Borough

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is going through change and this is an exciting time to join the planning team. We have a new Head of Planning and Planning Policy Manager and are at the early stages of developing our new Local Plan which will go out to consultation in the autumn of this year. Our track record in planning and development has delivered a progressive approach to growth and economic investment, balanced with preserving the heritage and natural quality of the Borough. We are currently experiencing significant interest in investment across the Borough which is resulting in a range of planning applications for new housing, commercial and employment development.

The Role:

We are looking to make two new appointments to the role of Senior Planning Officer, in the Development Management team, we have one permanent role and one fixed term role for two years.

As a Senior Planning Officer you will have the opportunity to become involved in varied and challenging casework focussing on larger housing and commercial applications, as well as providing support and advice to both colleagues in other departments and Elected Members to deliver the Council’s priorities. You will also be required to provide excellent pre-application advice to applicants, developers and architects.

Ideally you will have experience of not only managing a casework of challenging planning applications, but have also been involved in screening/scoping/reviewing EIA’s, negotiating s106 agreements and presenting at Committees.  Experience of informal hearings and inquiry appeal work is also preferable.

The Council receives a broad variety of proposals across the Borough, with wide ranging opportunities for development, along with many high-level constraints providing interesting challenges for decision making.

Working for Tonbridge and Malling Council you’ll have easy access from London by train and have all that Kent can offer set in stunning countryside. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your skills and experience within an organisation that prides itself on supporting its staff. We encourage staff to undertake vocational and technical training. In addition to learning & development, we also offer many flexible working opportunities, including job share, flexi time, compressed hours and of course home working.

What we are looking for:

You should possess enthusiasm, be well motivated and have excellent communication skills. You should possess a relevant first degree and an RTPI accredited Post Graduate Degree in Planning. Full chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) would also be desirable.

You must be able to demonstrate a high level of experience as a planner working within a busy Development Management environment, have a high degree of autonomy, independently managing your own workload whilst positively engaging with the wider team and Borough Councillors.

Experience of acting as a witness at public inquiry would also be desirable.

Please state in your application whether you wish to be considered for the permanent or fixed term position or whether you would like to be considered for both.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Tim Hickling, Development Manager by emailing tim.hickling@tmbc.gov.uk (Direct candidates only, strictly no agencies please)