The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
37 Hours per week - Full Time – Fixed term for 18 month
We’re looking for ambitious and motivated Planning Officer or Senior Planning Officer to join our Planning Team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping sustainable, high-quality development and making a real difference to our communities. Whether you're early in your planning career or an experienced Senior Planner, we offer a supportive environment and varied caseload.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
We support hybrid working, it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.
About The Role:
Planning Officer – RG4 SCP11 to RG5 SCP25 - £28,142 to £36,363 Per year
Senior Planning Officer – RG5 SCP25 to RG7b SCP36 - £36,363 to £47,181 Per year
At Reading Borough Council, you'll work on an exciting mix of development proposals in a place that's continually evolving.
As part of our Planning Team, you'll manage a varied caseload of planning applications, working closely with residents, developers, elected Members and colleagues across the Council to deliver positive planning outcomes.
Depending on your experience and career grade, you'll:
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Manage a diverse caseload ranging from householder applications through to complex minor and straightforward major developments.
- Assess planning applications and undertake site visits.
- Prepare high-quality delegated and committee reports with clear, well-reasoned recommendations.
- Provide pre-application advice and negotiate with applicants to achieve high-quality development.
- Prepare appeal statements and represent the Council where appropriate.
- Provide planning advice to residents and customers through our duty planning service.
- Contribute to delivering an efficient, customer-focused planning service.
Senior Planning Officers will also have the opportunity to:
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Manage more complex and politically sensitive planning applications.
- Present applications at Planning Committee.
- Mentor and support junior colleagues.
- Lead negotiations on larger schemes and contribute to service improvements.
About You:
We're looking for enthusiastic planners who are passionate about creating sustainable places and delivering excellent customer service.
You'll have:
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A recognised degree in Planning (or a related subject) or be working towards one.
- Eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Strong analytical, written and communication skills.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- A collaborative approach and commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
For Senior Planning Officer appointments, you'll also bring significant Development Management experience and the confidence to manage more complex applications with minimal supervision.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
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Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
For more information on this position please contact Steve Vigar, Planning Applications Team Leader – [email protected]
Closing Date: Sunday 19th July 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Setup: Interview in person at the Civic Centre based on the job description and person specification together with a written test.
