Location
London Borough of Lewisham, primarily based at Laurence House, Catford. Hybrid working arrangement with office attendance currently required on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and remote work on other days.

Hours
Full time with occasional weeknight working required for Planning Committees.

Salary
£52,269 to £59,574 per annum (P04-P06). This is a career grade post with opportunities for promotion to higher grades following successful appraisal and completion of probation. All appointments are offered at the minimum spinal column point for the grade unless matching current salary with evidential proof.

About the Role
Join Lewisham’s nationally ‘Gold Rated’ planning team and contribute to a varied range of contentious and high-profile planning applications including award-winning developments, the ambitious small sites programme, and supporting growth of high streets and town centres. You will be involved in design-led densification to help create vibrant, well-designed neighbourhoods aligned with the borough’s Local Plan vision to 2040. This role offers the chance to manage a wide range of planning applications, pre-applications, and appeals, providing excellent opportunities for career development in planning.

You will exercise delegated decision-making powers, provide expert advice to internal and external stakeholders, supervise junior staff, deputise for team leaders, negotiate with applicants, address objections, prepare comprehensive reports and present applications to the planning committee. You will also prepare statements for Written Representation Appeals and lead evidence preparation and presentation at Public Inquiries and Hearings. Additionally, you will identify and deliver service improvement and revenue generation projects.

The role offers substantial experience in development management across a complex caseload, excellent training and development opportunities, management and project work, and a range of benefits including generous holiday allowance, Local Government Pension scheme, flexible working and family friendly policies, season ticket and bicycle loans, staff discounts, and supportive staff networks.

Experience
Relevant town planning experience with an understanding of London and national politics. Experience in mentoring, supervision, and support of junior officers is essential. Proven ability to manage competing demands independently and deliver high-quality planning recommendations.

About you
Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with applicants, residents, consultants, and colleagues. Excellent organisational, negotiation, written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prioritise and allocate work to meet deadlines with attention to detail ensuring accuracy and consistency. Research and analytical skills to stay informed and expand planning knowledge while considering corporate priorities.

Qualifications
Ideally hold a RTPI accredited undergraduate or postgraduate degree in town planning or a related field.