Principal Planner

Dartford is in the Borough of Kent adjoining London.  Dartford rail station, adjacent the Council offices, is the busiest in the County, part of the TfL Oyster card area, it links to a wide range of stations in London and in Kent via Thameslink and other services. In addition, Ebbsfleet International Rail Station (17mins to London) is located in the east of the Borough; there are good bus services, including TfL buses serving the area; as well as the Fastrack rapid transit system. Dartford is one of the very fastest growing districts in the country, as a result of planned new and extended communities on brownfield land. As a place of choice for international, national and local businesses as well as Bluewater shopping centre and the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation.

Although small the Council is a varied and exciting place for a career in planning.  We have a recently adopted Local Plan (April 2024) which plans to 2037 and our focus is on growth within Dartford Town Centre and securing large mixed use residential-led redevelopment as well as public realm and transport-related improvements.  We have maintained a 5 year housing land supply, and have an NPPF compliant Local Plan. We have had a Community Infrastructure Levy in place for 11 years and this is being used to support and fund new infrastructure in the Borough. You will be part of the Development Management team dealing with some of the most complex planning and other applications submitted to the Council.  The revised NPPF will place additional pressures on our Green Belt and we are keen to ensure that the team is able to carefully manage potential increased demands in this respect. This new Principal Planner post will be an additional resource for the team and will play a significant role in managing how development is controlled and delivered in the Borough.

We are looking for a qualified Planner with extensive experience of development management who can demonstrate strong professional and negotiation skills. You will report directly to the Development Manager and may be asked to deputise for the Major Projects Team Leader and Principal Planner (Householder Team Leader) as necessary. You will also work with the Planning Enforcement team on planning matters of expediency as necessary.

Dartford has a strong track record as an enabling Borough: you will be able to maintain the effectiveness of the team in responding constructively, consistently and speedily to development proposals and achieving improved outcomes. The successful applicant will join a professional, experienced & efficient Planning Services team where Development Management & Planning Strategy work closely together in order to ensure a cohesive approach to planning in Dartford. Dartford Borough Council provides a friendly and supportive working environment with flexibility offered through hybrid working & flexi-time, please contact us if you would like to discuss this further. 

If you would like to speak to someone about this post please contact Emma Eisinger, Development Manager, 01322 343600 or Emma.Eisinger@dartford.gov.uk

Interviews will be held w/c 3rd March 2025 but please contact us to discuss if this is difficult.