About the role and team
We are looking for a Planning Support Officer (Technical Administrator) and would encourage applications from anyone with relevant experience, someone who has studied a planning related qualification or people who can demonstrate an interest in Development Management or Planning Support.
The Planning Support Officer contributes to the Planning Support Team by working closely with colleagues to ensure Planning Officers and customers receive an efficient and effective service. With a particular focus on the provision of a technical service the role incudes the validation and registration of planning applications, liaising with applicants, agents and Planning Officers on validation requirements and ensuring that all neighbours and relevant consultees are consulted in line with local and national requirements.
The Planning Support Officer position sits with the Planning Support Team which aims to provide high quality support to the Development management Service to ensure that planning applications and other enquiries are dealt with in a timely manner with a focus on high levels of customer service.
Collaboration and sharing knowledge is key to our success and we encourage new team members to help us maintain our high performance while promoting new ideas, constantly looking for ways to improve our working practices.
We pride ourselves on a wider-service mentality. You will be working with colleagues from development management, planning policy, planning support and more.
About you
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You can demonstrate experience of providing a high quality customer service over the phone and in writing.
- You have an understanding and knowledge of processes involved in the function of a Development Management department (this can be demonstrated through work experience or education).
- You are able to demonstrate the ability to deal with challenging customers.
- You have experience of working to tight timescale / deadlines.
- You are a team player, who can contribute innovative ideas and be committed to achieving high quality results
Why should you join us?
What’s in it for you?
Hybrid working supporting our Climate Change Strategy, working 3 days from home and 2 days in the office (weekly)
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Free onsite parking at Pippbrook offices
- 24 days annual leave, rising to a maximum of 28 days a year (plus Bank Holidays)
- Excellent pension scheme including employer’s contribution of 15%
- Annual flu vaccinations and health checks
- Employee Assistance Program and Mental Health First Aiders to support your everyday wellbeing
- Cycle to work scheme
- Dorking Halls/Pippbrook House discounts
- Leisure Centre discount
- Free Eye test
- Beautiful, well-connected location in Surrey Hills, easy access to outdoor activities
- Staff events
- Family oriented organisation
Further info
About us
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Jonathan Keepen (Planning Support Manager) on 01306 879380
Closing date for applicants: Midday on 24 July 2026
Interview dates: w/c 3 August 2026 (in person)
Shift pattern/rota: Full time, 37 hours per week (Monday – Friday, 7.4hr days)
How to apply
CV and supporting statement - Click Apply Online, complete the short application form and upload your up to date CV along with a supporting statement, to let us know how you meet the essential skills and experience of the job description and person specification.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be unsuccessful.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Mole Valley District Council is preparing for a major transformation through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) which will come into effect on 1 April 2027. The aim of LGR is to create a more streamlined, efficient and locally responsive system of government that strengthens public services. You can find out more about the LGR on the Surrey LGR Hub website
As we move toward LGR, we want to reassure all applicants that roles linked to Mole Valley District Council will continue beyond the transition period and arrangements are in place to ensure that staff will transfer on existing terms and conditions to the new East Surrey Council.
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