Principal Planning Officer x 2 vacancies
Salary: £41,193 - £46,338 + £5,000 market supplement + £1,000 car allowanceLocation: Swale Borough Council (Hybrid Working, two days per week in the office preferred)Contract: Full-time, Permanent (34 hours per week)
We are proud to be working exclusively with Swale Borough Council, a forward-thinking and ambitious local authority in Kent, to recruit experienced Planning Officers to join their newly established Planning Applications Team.A Council that puts people first At Swale, staff wellbeing is a genuine priority. With a 34-hour full-time working week and early office closure at 1:30pm every Friday, the Council ismitted to helping employees achieve a healthy work-life balance. This is further supported by a generous annual leave entitlement, which increases with service, plus an additional three days’ leave over the Christmas period when the offices closepletely. Their flexible hybrid working policy, with flexi-time between 7am and 7pm, is just one of the many ways they support their team.Why now is the perfect time to join It’s an exciting time to join Planning at Swale. With renewed momentum behind the Local Plan, a restructured Planning Applications team geared for success, and the formation of a new Place Service—bringing together planning, regeneration, economic development and property—there’s a real sense of purpose and opportunity. The new structure is designed to retain, develop and attract top talent, and offers a collaborative, supportive environment where you can thrive. Swale’s strategic location within Kent and the wider South East,bined with its rich heritage, ecological assets, and diverse geography, makes it a fascinating and rewarding place to work in planning.About the roleAs a Principal Planning Officer, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of Swale’s diverse urban, rural, and coastalmunities. You’ll:
1. Manage aplex caseload of planning applications and pre-application enquiries.
2. Provide expert development advice to householders, agents, developers, and landowners.
3. Mentor and support junior officers, deputising for the Team Leader when required.
4. Represent the Council at appeals, hearings, and public examinations.
5. Prepare and present reports to Planningmittee.
What you'll bring
6. Chartered membership of the RTPI (or working towards it).
7. Strong knowledge of planning legislation, including EIA Regulations.
8. Experience handlingplex major applications andmercial developments.
9. Excellentmunication and mentoring skills.
10. A collaborative approach to working with stakeholders, Members, and the widermunity.
Why join Swale?Swale Borough Council offers a generous and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth:
11. 34-hour working week with early finish on Fridays
12. Highly flexible hybrid working and flexi-time (7am–7pm)
13. 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
14. 3 additional days leave over Christmas
15. £1,000 car allowance
16. Free parking
17. Localernment Pension Scheme with life cover
18. Life assurance (3x salary for LGPS members)
19. Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
20. Lease car salary sacrifice scheme
21. Annual flu vaccination
22. Employee Assistance Programme with counselling support
23. Discounts on shopping, leisure, and holidays
24. Professional fee payment (where applicable)
25. Relocation support (if eligible)
26. Regular wellbeing events including holistic therapies and outdoor activities
27. Excellent learning and development opportunities
Next steps:If you’re interested in learning more about these opportunities, including gaining access to our dedicated microsite, receiving the JD/PS or just having a confidential chat, please get in touch with Daniel Baker on 07545 546 986 or apply via this advert.
Whilst the closing date for applications is legitimate, the council are open to speaking with suitable candidates as they apply before this date to ensure they don’t miss out. #4691513 - Daniel Baker