REQ00000748

Are you an experienced planning professional looking for a new challenge within a dynamic and forward-thinking local authority? West Berkshire Council is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to join our Planning Service, reporting to the Team Manager. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development and growth of West Berkshire, a beautiful and vibrant district located in the heart of the Thames Valley.

West Berkshire Council is committed to providing an excellent employment experience for its staff. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a range of fantastic employment benefits, including:

• Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
• Access to a wide range of relevant training and development opportunities.
• Local Government Pension Scheme for financial security in the future.
• Family-friendly policies to support your personal and professional commitments.
• A range of local discounts, offering great savings on shopping, dining, and leisure activities.
• And much more

As a Senior Planning Officer, you will play a key role in the delivery of high-quality planning services, ensuring that development within the district is carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and policies. Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing a diverse caseload of planning applications, appeals, and enquiries
• Providing professional advice and guidance to applicants, elected members, and other stakeholders
• Undertaking site visits and preparing detailed reports and recommendations
• Representing the Council at planning committees and public meetings

To excel in this role, you should have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline
• Membership (or be eligible for membership) of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
• Proven experience in a similar planning role, ideally within a local authority
• Sound knowledge of planning legislation, policies, and procedures
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities

Why Work for West Berkshire Council?

West Berkshire Council is committed to providing an excellent employment experience for its staff. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a range of fantastic employment benefits, including:

• Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
• Access to a wide range of relevant training and development opportunities.
• Local Government Pension Scheme for financial security in the future.
• Family-friendly policies to support your personal and professional commitments.
• A range of local discounts, offering great savings on shopping, dining, and leisure activities.
• And much more!

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council’s Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts
If you would like to learn more about this role, please contact Simon Till, Team Manager, on 01635 519427 or email simon.till@westberks.gov.uk for an informal discussion.
Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career.
Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us