Shape Places, Influence Development, Build Your Career
Are you an experienced planner looking for your next challenge in a high-performing and supportive planning service?
At Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, you'll have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of planning applications across a borough that combines thriving town centres, attractive villages, protected landscapes and ambitious regeneration projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning professional who enjoys managing varied and complex cases, delivering high-quality decisions and developing their career within a collaborative and respected planning team.
About the role
As a Senior Planning Officer, you will manage a varied caseload of planning applications and appeals, undertake site visits, provide pre-application advice and prepare high-quality reports and recommendations. You'll work closely with applicants, elected Members, consultees and local communities, helping to deliver sustainable development and positive outcomes across the borough.
You will also:
- Assess and determine a wide range of planning applications and related proposals.
- Undertake site inspections and pre-application discussions.
- Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee and other meetings.
- Prepare appeal statements and represent the Council where required.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and partner organisations.
About you
We're looking for a planning professional who combines technical expertise with excellent communication and organisational skills.
You'll bring:
✅ Experience of dealing with technical and complex planning applications.
✅ Detailed and up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation and guidance.
✅ Experience of writing reports, presenting recommendations and managing competing priorities.
✅ A planning-related degree and eligibility for membership of the RTPI.
✅ A resilient, collaborative and professional approach.
This role would particularly suit someone looking to continue progressing their planning career whilst working on a broad and interesting portfolio of applications.
Why join us?
Our Development Management team is known for being supportive, friendly and collaborative. Team members enjoy working together, sharing knowledge and building strong professional relationships both in and out of the workplace.
We offer:
- Salary starting at £39,148, rising to £40,178 after one year and £41,208 after two years, subject to approval.
- 26 days annual leave, increasing to 29 days with qualifying service, plus bank holidays and three additional days in December.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.7% employer contribution.
- Hybrid working up to three days per week following probation, subject to service needs.
- Free staff parking
- Comprehensive learning, CPD and career development opportunities.
- Opportunities to progress into Principal Planning Officer and Team Leader roles as they arise.
- To learn more about working at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, explore the kind of place we are, work that matters with people who care, and our pay, benefits, and hybrid working.
Ready to make an impact?
Join us and help shape the future of one of Kent's most attractive and dynamic boroughs.
Closing Date: 10 September 2026
Interview Date: 22 September 2026
Equal Opportunities
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Safeguarding
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
