Job profile
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Job reference
REQ
Date posted
27/10/2025
Application closing date
10/11/2025
Location
Salary
£42,839 - £44,075
Package
Contractual hours
37
Basis
Full time
Attachments
Senior Planning Officer (Eden) - WMF2381i
Job description
INTERNAL ONLY
Location: Penrith
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
We have a great opportunity for an experienced and motivated Senior Planning Officer to join Westmorland and Furness Council's Development Management Service, part of the Thriving Places Directorate.
Our Development Management Service plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the area, ensuring that new development supports sustainable growth, enhances the local environment, and aligns with both local and national planning policies. The service manages a wide range of planning applications and supports key regeneration and housing priorities, helping to deliver high-quality development that benefits communities across Westmorland and Furness.
As a Senior Planning Officer, you will manage your own caseload of applications, typically minor and small-scale major developments, providing professional advice, ensuring compliance with planning regulations, and contributing to high-quality decision-making. You will also support the Area Manager and Principal Planning Officer on more complex cases, mentor junior officers, and play a key role in delivering excellent customer service to applicants, stakeholders, and residents.
Key priorities include:
* Managing and assessing a caseload of planning applications from pre-application through to decision.
* Preparing detailed professional reports and recommendations for committee consideration.
* Providing clear technical advice to applicants, agents, and colleagues.
* Engaging with communities and stakeholders to promote transparent, inclusive planning processes.
* Supporting appeals and representing the Council at hearings or inquiries.
* Mentoring and supporting Planning Officers to develop their skills and confidence.
This role offers an opportunity to work on varied and interesting cases within a supportive and forward-thinking planning team, where your contribution will directly shape the quality and sustainability of development across Westmorland and Furness.
Who we are looking for…
We're looking for a proactive, knowledgeable, and customer-focused planning professional with a strong understanding of UK planning processes and a commitment to high-quality place-making.
You will have a degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related discipline, and ideally be working towards or already hold chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
You will also bring:
* Considerable experience in development management or a related planning role.
* A sound understanding of national and local planning policy and legislation.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance competing considerations in decision-making.
* Excellent communication and report-writing skills, able to present complex information clearly.
* Confidence in engaging with applicants, agents, elected members, and the public.
* Competence in using planning management systems and GIS software.
* A collaborative approach, with the ability to mentor junior officers and contribute to team development.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their planning career, contributing to the delivery of sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality development across a beautiful and diverse district.
What can we offer you
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers )
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
* Post Specification
* Role Profile
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Gareth Candlin (Assistant Director of Inclusive and Green Growth) via email on to arrange an informal conversation.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 10th November 2025
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
Westmorland and Furness Council are now able to offer sponsorship for Skilled Worker Visa applications for eligible roles. Please note, we cannot guarantee the eligibility of all of our roles, therefore, if you would like more information on roles that may be eligible please visit the government website - Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
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