Location
Laurence House, Catford, South East London with hybrid working (minimum two days a week in the office, currently Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and regular work from home.

Hours
Full Time - standard local government hours with occasional weeknight working required for Planning Committees.

Salary
£52,269 - £54,360 per annum (PO4)

About the Role
Discover yourself in Lewisham, where your work makes a meaningful difference to our vibrant and diverse communities. Lewisham is proud of its long history of welcoming people from all over the world and its recognition as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are committed to shaping neighbourhoods that are inclusive, resilient, and well designed.

Join our high-performing, nationally ‘Gold Rated’ planning team and be involved in a varied range of work including award-winning residential extensions and developments, contributing to our ambitious small sites programme, and supporting the growth of our high streets.

Lewisham is one of London’s most diverse and rapidly evolving areas, from Lewisham Town Centre with its major shopping centre and market, Deptford’s nightlife, Blackheath's village atmosphere, to the woodlands of Beckenham Place Park. Our newly adopted Local Plan has a vision for the borough to 2040, with huge ambition for new housing growth and investment.

As a Planning Officer, you will manage the full process for planning and related applications, with a particular focus on Small Sites housing schemes and major applications. Your responsibilities will include conducting consultations, site visits, proposal appraisals, negotiating with applicants, addressing objections, preparing comprehensive reports with recommendations, presenting applications to the planning committee, and supporting appeals and public inquiries.

This is a one-year fixed term post designed to provide cover while we work on the MHCLG Small Sites Accelerator. You will be supported by a Team Leader, Principal, and Senior Officers who will provide guidance and mentorship.

You will gain substantial experience in development management across a varied caseload and benefit from excellent training and development opportunities. The council offers a range of generous benefits including Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working, family-friendly policies, season ticket and bicycle loans, subsidised gym memberships, and supportive staff networks.

Experience
Relevant experience as a town planner with a good appreciation of London and national politics. Ability to work independently and manage competing demands with initiative. Experience in managing planning applications, pre-applications, appeals, and familiarity with Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).

About you
Strong interpersonal skills to work closely with applicants, residents, consultants, and colleagues across the council. Good organisational, written and verbal communication, and IT skills. Ability to prioritise and allocate work to meet deadlines. Attention to detail ensuring accuracy and consistency in planning recommendations and advice. Research and analytical skills to stay informed and expand planning knowledge while considering corporate priorities.

Qualifications
Ideally hold an RTPI accredited undergraduate or postgraduate degree. No CVs are accepted as the recruitment process is anonymous. Completion of the application and supporting statement addressing the person specification criteria is essential.