Sittingbourne (Hybrid)
Permanent, Full time
No DBS check required
Grade 8 £39,993 - £44,988 + £5,000 market supplement
34 Hours Per Week
About the role
Swale Borough Council have an exciting opportunity for qualified and experienced planning professionals to take on leadership roles within a forward-thinking and community-focused planning service.
We have an opportunity for a 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. This is a full time position working 34 hours per week on a permanent contract.
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.
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.
About you
To be considered as a Principal Planning Officer, you must hold a Level 6 or 7 Planning Qualification and be a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or the Planning and Development Division of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
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 Neighborhood Plan making.
With a proven record of offering sound professional advice and be an effective communicator with the ability to adapt to differing audiences. You will be able to lead and motivate a small team, supporting professional development.
What we can offer
A range of benefits including:
• 34 hour full time working week with the offices closing at 1:30pm on Friday
• Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities
• 7am to 7pm flexi time to suit personal circumstances for most role
• Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave.
• Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New year.
• Free parking
• Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people’s home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9-day fortnight, part time.
• Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
• Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
• Annual flu vaccine
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
• Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
• A professional fee payment, if required for the role
Selection Process:
Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those that are successful in securing an interview can expect job specific interview assessment, followed by an interview.
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 for the position please click on the apply link above and complete the online application form or by phone on 01622 602555.
Closing Date: 9th March 2025
Interview Date: TBC