About the Role:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Planning Technical Officer to join our busy Development Management Team. This role plays a key part in supporting the delivery of high-quality planning services, acting as a vital link between Maidstone Development Management (DM) and the Mid Kent Planning Support Service.
This position offers an excellent steppingstone into a career in Planning, providing hands-on experience across a wide range of planning activities, including application processing, committee work and appeals.
Key Responsibilities include
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Process, assess, and prepare recommendations for small-scale planning applications, including householder applications, Lawful Development Certificates, and discharge of planning conditions
- Respond to general planning enquiries and pre-application enquiries within target timescales
- Work alongside Senior Planning Officers (SPOs) to manage simple, non-complex pre-applications
- Support Planning Officers by reviewing and collating planning history and background information
- Assist the Major Applications Team by reviewing consultation responses and providing administrative and technical support
- Undertake site visits where required
- Support Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) documentation and processing
- Provide practical support for planning appeals, including organising hearings, booking venues and attending appeals where necessary
This is a full time role working 37 hours per week on a permanent basis. This role offers the benefit of hybrid working, combining office-based working with some home working, according to business needs.
About You:
You will be able to manage and carry out a variety of tasks to strict deadlines whilst maintaining accuracy and have the aptitude and desire to learn the skills and knowledge required to determine planning applications.
You should have sound knowledge of administrative processes with excellent numerical and IT skills. Demonstrable high-level experience in the provision of support to a Planning Service, including knowledge of Development Management functions is desirable.
Customer service will be central to this role, and strong interpersonal skills are essential for effective collaboration with the planning support team, planning officers, and external stakeholders. This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to take their first step into a career in development management.
About Us:
Maidstone Borough Council is a confident organisation with ambition and aspirations to deliver high quality services to our residents and local businesses. We strive to make the borough an attractive place for all and secure a successful economy.
We continue to build on our strengths - assets, knowledge and expertise and our track record for innovation and improvement to create a financially sustainable future so that we can continue with our undiminished plans.
We will only achieve the results we are aiming for through the talents and hard work of all our people. You are encouraged to become part of our vision and in return you can expect support, training, and fair reward from us. We will give you the opportunity to develop the skills to do your job well and create a positive working environment where your ideas about improving how we do things are valued and we manage the changes needed for new ways of working well.
Our Offer:
A range of benefits including:
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Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities
- 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
- 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.
Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Deborah Jones, Planning Performance and Technical Team Leader on 01622 602072.
Interview Date: 25th August 2026
