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Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!
We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
**Introduction**
Do you want to be involved in a varied range of work that includes award-winning residential extensions, contributing to our ambitious small sites programme, and supporting the growth of our high streets? Then this role is for you – join our planning team.
Lewisham is one of London’s most diverse and rapidly evolving areas, with attractions from Lewisham Town Centre to Deptford’s nightlife, Blackheath's village atmosphere, and Beckenham Place Park's woodlands. We have a vision for the borough to 2040, focusing on new housing growth and investment.
As a planner in our area teams, you’ll process a wide range of planning applications, offering a valuable opportunity to develop your skills and advance your career in planning. We seek motivated and enthusiastic candidates passionate about planning and eager to grow and make a difference.
**What’s the role?**
You’ll manage the full process for planning and related applications, pre-applications, and appeals. Working as part of a team, you’ll be supported by a Team Leader, Principal, and Senior Officers who will provide guidance and mentorship. Your responsibilities will include conducting consultations, site visits, proposal appraisals, negotiating with applicants, and addressing objections. You’ll prepare reports with recommendations, including conditions or reasons for refusal, and present applications to the planning committee when needed. You’ll also prepare statements for Written Representation Appeals and support evidence preparation for Public Inquiries and Hearings.
**What’s in it for you?**
Excellent training and development opportunities, plus benefits including:
* Generous holiday allowance
* Local Government Pension scheme
* Flexible working and family-friendly policies
* Season ticket and bicycle loans
* Staff discounts, including local subsidised gym memberships
* Supportive staff networks
**What We’re Looking For**
You should be a town planner with relevant experience, understanding of London and national politics, and the ability to work independently managing multiple demands. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for supporting and collaborating with diverse individuals. Good organisational, communication, and IT skills are required, including prioritising work to meet deadlines. Attention to detail ensures accuracy in planning recommendations. You should also apply research and analytical skills to stay informed and expand your planning knowledge, aligning with corporate priorities.
**Location**
Primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, with a hybrid working approach (minimum two days in the office, currently Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from home on other days).
**Special conditions**
* RTPI-accredited undergraduate or postgraduate degree preferred
* Occasional weeknight working required
Recruitment is anonymous; CVs are not accepted. Please complete the application fully and ensure your supporting statement addresses each person specification criterion.
For informal discussions, contact david.robinson@lewisham.gov.uk
**Salary**
£39,150 - £40,344 per annum (SO1). Appointments are at the role’s minimum SCP unless matching current salary with proof.
**Diversity**
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer welcoming applications of all abilities. Reasonable adjustments are available during the application and interview process. We support the Access to Work scheme; details at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.
We are recognized by the Mayor of London with the ‘Good Work Standard’ with ‘Excellent’ status, reflecting our commitment to fair working conditions.
The Council’s Lewisham Works service offers employment guidance to residents. Interested? Email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk.
The Council may close the advert early if necessary.
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