Senior Planning Officer – Development Management
Salary: £43,122 - £47,468
Location: The Burys, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR / Hybrid working
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
About the role
We are looking to appoint an experienced and motivated Senior Planning Officer to join our Development Management service. This is a key role within the team, handling a varied and challenging caseload that includes complex and high‑profile planning applications.
You will play an important part in delivering high‑quality development outcomes across the borough, providing professional advice to applicants, residents and elected members, and supporting colleagues within the team. The role also includes representing the Council at appeals and hearings where required.
Key responsibilities
- Manage a varied caseload of planning applications, including minor, major and complex proposals
- Lead on project management of development proposals from pre‑application to determination
- Provide paid pre‑application advice on a range of applications, including some major schemes
- Negotiate with developers to achieve high‑quality outcomes and maximise community benefits
- Prepare reports and present applications at Planning Committee, providing clear and robust advice to Members
- Make delegated decisions in line with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation
- Prepare evidence for appeals and act as an expert witness at hearings and inquiries
- Investigate breaches of planning control and take appropriate enforcement action
- Communicate proactively with Ward Councillors and other stakeholders
- Provide guidance and support to planning officers within the team
- Ensure decisions are robust, defensible and consistent with national and local planning policy
About you
You will be a capable and confident planning professional with experience of working in a development management environment, including handling complex applications and working within a politically sensitive context.
Essential requirements include:
- Degree in Planning or an equivalent qualification
- Actively working towards Full Chartered Membership of the RTPI (or already Chartered)
- Experience dealing with a range of planning applications, including complex cases
- Sound professional judgement and strong analytical skills
- Good written and verbal communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to present reports and provide advice at committee
- A calm, professional approach to customer service, including contentious situations
- Commitment to equality, diversity and continuous improvement
Why join us?
Waverley is an ambitious and forward‑thinking authority, offering the opportunity to work on a broad range of planning applications in a supportive and professional environment. We offer:
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Support towards RTPI Chartered membership and CPD
- A collaborative and experienced Development Management team
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Opportunities to develop your skills on complex and high‑profile cases
Please note:
No agencies or speculative CVs please. Direct applications only.
