Despite the rural location of Chichester District, we are a busy planning service dealing with a varied range of development management work. We have three application teams; a separate enforcement team; and a central administration team.

As a Senior Planning Officer within our Majors and Business Team you will deal with an exciting and varied range of complex applications. With our emerging local plan at an advanced stage this is an exciting time to join the team. You will also be responsible for mentoring junior members of the team, presenting items to Planning Committee and taking a leading role in appeals.

Set in one of the most beautiful locations in the country, you will play a crucial role dealing with planning applications; associated pre-application enquiries; and, appeals. You will be expected to demonstrate a high regard for performance and customer care, while securing high quality design.

Chichester District has a thriving economy and so there are pressures for both residential and commercial growth. Our picturesque district covers an area of over 300 square miles within West Sussex. It borders both Hampshire and Sussex with two thirds of it situated in the South Downs National Park. From its historic city and towns, through to its spacious parks and stunning coastline and countryside - including an Area of Outstanding Beauty at Chichester Harbour, it is one of the most attractive places to live and work in the UK.

We are looking for someone who can be tasked with securing the highest quality design to protect these important assets, while meeting the growing needs of our communities. You can be assured that you will be joining a team of committed and enthusiastic planners, with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.

The post is suitable for a qualified and experienced planner with excellent communication skills. You should have a minimum of three years post qualification experience. Ideally, we are looking for someone with previous experience of dealing with complex planning applications. Providing excellent customer care is important to us. We are seeking planners who have a desire to develop and learn; are excellent team players; proactive; and committed to meeting the needs of our customers.

So, if you enjoy working with people; have a passion for finding solutions; and want to make a positive difference to people’s lives and our beautiful district, then please get in touch. 

   What we can offer you

As well as joining a friendly, dedicated, and hardworking team you will have access to numerous benefits, including:

• excellent defined benefits Pension Scheme. minimum 26 days holiday going up to 31 days after 5 years (or before with previous service) plus paid Bank Holidays. flexitime - potential to build up an extra 12 days leave a year. flexible working arrangements including working from home and 9-day fortnight options. Subsidised leisure membership at selected Everyone Active centres. Employee Assistance Programme for staff and their relatives. Cycle to Work Scheme/Car and Cycle Loan Scheme/discounted city centre parking/ Lease Car Scheme. Health & Wellbeing initiatives including free health checks and free eye tests plus subsidised leisure centre membership. payment of your main professional subscription fee, including Royal Town Planning Institute subscriptions. access to a wide range of staff sports and social clubs. training and development opportunities – including funding of professional qualification training. Staff Awards Scheme.

Chichester District Council has a commitment to equality of opportunity in employment. If you have a disability which makes it difficult for you to complete our application form, please contact the HR Section who will assist you.

For an informal discussion about this position, please contact:  Fjola Stevens (Divisional Manager) fstevens@chichester.gov.uk, Jo Bell (Development Manager) jbell@chichester.gov.uk, or Jeremy Bushell jbushell@chichester.gov.uk on 01243 534734

For queries related to the recruitment of this vacancy, please contact: Our HR Team at ChichesterHR@chichester.gov.uk.

About us

Chichester District Council delivers over 80 services to the residents and businesses within the Chichester District, including waste and recycling; planning; environmental health; and housing.

The district features the award-winning West Wittering beach, as well as the internationally recognised Chichester Harbour – which is an Area of Outstanding Beauty – plus the Pagham Harbour and Medmerry nature reserves.

It also home to the internationally renowned Chichester Festival, the acclaimed Pallant House Gallery, the award-winning Novium Museum, Chichester Cathedral, Goodwood and many other local historic and cultural attractions.

The council’s headquarters are located in the historic cathedral city of Chichester. Surrounded by a stretch of Roman city walls, you will find streets lined with medieval buildings and elegant Georgian houses, as well as beautiful parks and gardens. The city’s four main streets – North, South, East and West – meet at the Market Cross and boast an array of shops, restaurants, and cafes.