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

It’s a busy time for the Planning Policy team at Swale and we need an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join us and help progress our Local Plan review. With coastline, countryside, and towns, we can offer diverse and interesting experience working with a supportive and committed team.

You will take the lead and assist in the review and preparation of planning policies and strategies to inform Swale’s Local Plan Review. You will be actively involved in engagement activities through presenting relevant information to stakeholders and interested parties and leading on aspects of response collation, including analysis and summary.

You will provide informal and formal advice to Neighbourhood groups through their Plan making process, including assistance in Policy formulation, consultant engagement and Plan examination.

What you will bring to the role

You should be a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or working towards it.

You will have excellent understanding of the roles of a variety of consultees, including Ward Councillors and Statutory Consultees. You will also have an excellent understanding of the Local and National policy making and of how Local authorities support Neighbourhood Plan making.

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 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 If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Natalie Earl on 01795 417023.

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.