About us

Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas. We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best. In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.

The work you will be doing

We are looking for a dynamic team leader to provide leadership and supervision to our Planning Applications Team.

Supporting the Planning Manager to manage staff and resources, you will play a key role in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality planning service to provide a proactive, constructive and customer focused service.

You will be expected to process a complex case load of planning applications and pre-application enquiries; monitoring development approvals and permissions; providing development advice to householders, agents, developers, and landowners and to enter into Section 106 negotiations.

You will prepare and present the Council’s case at appeals, inquiries, hearings, injunctions, Court Hearings and Examinations in Public. You will also prepare planning policies and strategies and contribute to the preparation and implementation of corporate and other Service strategies.

What you will bring to the role

You will hold a Level 6/7 Planning qualification and should be a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

You should have excellent understanding of all types of planning applications with a good understanding of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations and the ability to encourage colleagues to consider different perspectives in their work.

You will be able to demonstrate a consistent record of giving sound professional advice and building success through effective and projective working relationships with ward members, colleagues, and customers.

Additionally, you should have proven communication skills with colleagues, stakeholders, Parish Councils, Ward Members, and users of the service to achieve corporate objectives.

Ability to undertake independent travel around the Borough is essential.

What we can offer

If you choose to join us in this interesting role, we will provide you with a great benefits package that includes a competitive salary, a car allowance of £1,000 and access to our desirable local Government Pension Scheme. We will also contribute to relocation expenses if relevant, and you will receive 30 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and extra time at Christmas. We want you to find the perfect work-life balance, so flexible working options will be considered, plus you will have access to a range of additional benefits such as discounts on high street chains and leisure centres, plus our cycle-to-work scheme. Above all else, you will find an inclusive and supportive working environment, in which your professional and personal wellbeing are important to us.

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Ceri Williams, Chief Planning Officer on 01795 417116 or Carly Stoddart, Planning Consultant on 01795 417425.

To apply, please attach CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role.

Closing date: 1 September 2024.

Interview date: w/c 9 September 2024.