Senior planning officer/planning officer

Job details

Contractual hours: 37 hours per week, Basis: Full time. Region: South. Date posted: 12/06/2026. Job reference: 002304.

Salary

• Senior Planning Officer – Career Grade 10–11: £40,573 to £49,439 per annum + car allowance + Market Supplement (£5k) (subject to qualification)
• Planning Officer – Career Grade 8–9: £33,324 to £39,307 per annum + car allowance

Job description

About the Role:

This is an exciting opportunity for a planner wishing to grow their Development Management experience and join our team as Senior Planning Officer or Planning Officer.

Applications for Senior Planning Officer

In the role of Senior Planning Officer, you will determine a wide range of applications, including householder, minors, small majors (up to 50 dwellings), adverts, change of use, breaches, telecommunications, discharge of conditions and Certificates of Lawfulness in an area with a high volume of applications. You will liaise with internal and external stakeholders, applicants, agents, Councillors and others involved in the planning process. Attendance at the planning committee will be required when necessary; the committee meets once a month in the evening at Maidstone’s Town Hall.

As a Senior Planning Officer, you may offer supervisory support and training to junior staff, depending on experience.

Applications for Planning Officer

We welcome applicants who are ready to take the next step in their career. Candidates who do not meet all Senior Planning Officer criteria may be considered for appointment at Planning Officer level, Grade 8‑9, with potential for future progression into the senior role.

These roles are full time, 37 hours per week, with office‑based working at least two days per week. Flexible home working is available on agreement as part of the Council’s approach.

About Maidstone Borough Council:

Maidstone Borough Council is a confident organisation dedicated to delivering high‑quality services to residents and businesses. We encourage professional development, training and fair reward for all staff.

Our Offer:

A range of benefits including:

• Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities
• 7am to 7pm flexi time for most roles
• Generous holiday entitlement increasing after 5 years, plus bank holidays and options to buy additional leave
• 3 additional days leave around Christmas and New Year
• Free parking
• Flexible working options such as compressed hours, 9‑day fortnight, part‑time
• Staff events, wellness programmes and outdoor activities
• Employee Assistance Programme with confidential counselling
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with life cover
• Life Assurance – three times annual salary for LGPS members
• Season Ticket Loan for travel
• Lease car salary‑sacrifice scheme with insurance, servicing and road tax included
• Annual flu vaccine
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
• Excellent learning and career opportunities
• Professional fee payment if required

About You:

Strong team player with enthusiasm and initiative.

Degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent) with experience in planning applications, enforcement and/or appeals.

Self‑organisation, strong IT skills, customer focus, experience working with the public, excellent written and verbal communication.

Valid UK driving licence and ability to travel around the borough.

Selection Process:

Applicants should review both job descriptions, indicate which role they apply for, and submit the application form. Successful applicants will be invited to a job‑specific interview assessment followed by a final interview.

This post requires political sensitivity; the council’s Politically Restricted Posts Policy applies.

For further information, contact Tony Ryan, Planning Applications Manager, on 01622 602358 or email tonyryan@maidstone.gov.uk.