Planning Officer (Policy) 1-year Fixed Term

Full time 36 hours

Salary £27,683 - £42,659 p.a Plus essential car user allowance

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Strategic Planning Team at Spelthorne Borough Council, which is responsible for preparing a new Local Plan and supporting policies, along with a number of strategic projects. This flexible hybrid role will be a challenging but rewarding position for a graduate planner, someone looking to return to work after a career break or an existing Planning Officer looking to broaden their experience. It offers the opportunity for a great work-life balance for the successful candidate.

Spelthorne is located in North Surrey and borders London and Heathrow Airport so we encounter a range of issues, including high levels of housing need, including affordable housing, pressure to release Green Belt for development, flooding, a broad mix of employment uses and the regeneration of our key town centre, Staines-upon-Thames. In a time of change for Planning and local government reorganisation the post will involve a diverse range of work, including playing a key role in supporting the work of the Strategic Planning Team in a diverse range of strategic projects.

The successful candidate will need to have a flexible approach to work and have excellent engagement, problem solving and communication skills with a good knowledge of the Local Plan system and relevant legislation. Web-based skills and experience of using GIS, consultation and engagement software would be a particular advantage.

This post is identified as a hybrid post supporting both office and home working in line with Spelthorne Borough Council’s policy. The post holder will be required to attend the office in line with a rota and any service requirements.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for customer facing posts. These posts fall within the scope of the Code of Practice on English language requirement for public sector workers. The Council, therefore, has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. If you have any queries or would like to discuss this further, please contact Human Resources.

Please note that as part of the employment checks, this post has an essential car user allowance attached to it. A valid driving licence, and access to a vehicle insured for business use will be required.

For more information on this position, please contact Laura Richardson, Strategic Planning and Projects Manager on 01784 448594 or email l.richardson@spelthorne.gov.uk

In return we can offer excellent conditions of service with a benefits package that includes flexible working hours, working from home opportunities, pension scheme, free parking and at least 23 days’ paid leave per year (pro rata).

Closing date: Friday 15 August 2025 (noon)

Interview: To be confirmed

For full information and to apply online, go to www.surreyjobs.info or www.spelthorne.gov.uk alternatively, please contact Recruitment Services on (01784 444263 (24hr answer phone) quoting reference number 1269.

Working towards equal opportunities

Strictly No Agencies

How to apply

Please apply online via the 'Apply online' button which will take you to the Applicant Tracking System ('ATS') where, once you have applied, you can log on to your account to view the status of your application.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Please contact Recruitment Services on 01784 444263 (24hr answer phone) or email recruitment@spelthorne.gov.uk if you are having difficulty applying online.