Senior Planning Officer

• Job_application_guidance
• Senior_Planner_JD_2026_CC___1_

Salary: £42839 - £46142 (plus an additional £5,000 market supplement – non-contractual). 

Department: Planning Services / Location: Rochford, Essex  

Benefits: Paid professional membership to RTPI, Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, agile/hybrid working, staff discounts.  

Do you want to be at the forefront of new thinking in planning? Do you want to lead on some major schemes that will shape both our urban and rural environment, delivering high quality and sustainable development within South Essex.  Do you want to earn a competitive salary, work in a friendly environment and for an authority who are committed to investing in the progression of their staff? Then look no further. 

About us 

We are a proactive local planning authority in south east Essex gearing up for the adoption of a new local plan but with plenty of opportunities to work on schemes coming forward in advance of adoption.  The district has a diverse mix of rural, greenbelt and costal land use along with a strong historic identity.   We process over 1200 applications per annum, all whilst achieving delivery above set government targets. Plus, we have a busy and effective Planning Enforcement team that works hard to protect our district and a dedicated team of technical officers supporting us with the administration of applications and appeals.   

We are a great team, with a good mix of experience in all disciplines and we would welcome a new member to the team.  Rochford District Council works in partnership with Brentwood Borough Council, also located in south east Essex, as the Oneteam approach, where additional opportunities for experience and career progression could also arise. 

About the role 

We are now looking for a Senior Planner to join our team. Whether you are already in a senior role and fancy a change or perhaps you have a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a planning officer, making planning judgements, writing application reports and are an exceptional, ambitious candidate ready for that step up, then we would love to hear from you. Depending on your experience, in this post you will be required to assist with or lead on a number of major schemes and effectively manage a caseload of applications and appeals.  From time to time you may also be required to sign off delegated recommendations.   

About you 

You must be extremely well-organised, self-motivated and flexible.  We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, forward thinking and a good team player.  

It is essential that you either hold, or are studying for, a postgraduate qualification in planning to be considered for this role. Full chartered membership of the RTPI is desirable or be willing to apply for chartered membership when eligible.  

This is a permanent role for 37 hours per week to complement an existing post.  You will have positive proactive support from senior management and peers, providing a  fantastic opportunity to join an established team within which to progress your career. Are you up for the challenge? 

Our culture and values 

We like our staff to be proactive and innovative. Being customer focused and willing to maximise your potential at work are expected. We all work together to achieve the very best for our residents which sometimes means getting involved in projects and trying new tasks outside of your day to day job role. We love our staff to suggest new ideas and to have enthusiasm to try out new experiences. 

For more information, please email [email removed] for an informal chat or please apply online via the link provided.