Planning Officer

Job DescriptionAs a Planning Officer in our Development Management team, you’ll help make sure the right kind of growth happens across our borough. You’ll guide high-quality developments, uphold planning control and work with local people to ensure that every decision supports a fairer, greener and more vibrant community. With six roles available, this is an exciting opportunity to make your mark.Working StyleYou’ll be based in the Borough for 3 days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you’re working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you’ll be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents’ lives.What You’ll Be DoingYou’ll take ownership of planning applications and enforcement cases in your area, providing expert advice, assessing proposals and ensuring developments align with local and national policies.Your work will involve inspecting plans, visiting sites and preparing reports for committee or delegated decision-making. You’ll advise applicants, negotiate improvements to schemes and ensure the borough’s high design standards are upheld. You’ll also lead on enforcement matters – investigating potential breaches of planning control and recommending appropriate action.You’ll be a key point of contact for residents, councillors and developers, keeping everyone informed and ensuring the process is clear, fair and consistent. Alongside your casework, you’ll help validate applications, prepare appeal statements and occasionally represent the Council at hearings or inquiries.This is a hands-on role where your judgement, communication skills and professionalism will help shape the built environment and safeguard the character of our borough. You’ll be joining a high-performing, ambitious planning department that values teamwork, creativity and a commitment to public service.For further details, please review the Job Description and Person SpecificationWhat You’ll BringYou’ll have a degree (or equivalent qualification) recognised by the RTPI and be eligible for RTPI membership. You’ll bring a sound understanding of planning legislation, policies and procedures and a good awareness of the issues affecting planning and regeneration in London – especially in North Kensington.Experience of managing your own caseload, providing planning advice and negotiating development proposals is essential. You’ll have the confidence to present at committees, engage with residents and handle politically sensitive issues with diplomacy and care.We’re looking for proactive, enthusiastic professionals with excellent communication, customer service and time management skills. You’ll be self-motivated, IT-literate and able to work well under pressure. Just as importantly,you’ll share our values – putting communities first, respecting others, acting with integrity and working together to deliver the best outcomes for residents.Why join usAt RBKC, we’re all in – investing in our people, our communities and our future.You’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking planning department that encourages professional growth and continuous learning. We’ll help you build your career with structured development opportunities, mentoring and access to training to support your ambitions.In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a competitive salary, a generous pension and annual leave package and the satisfaction of knowing your work directly improves the borough’s built environment and quality of life.This is a chance to be part of a team that takes pride in delivering high-quality planning services, tackling challenges head-on and driving positive change for the people of Kensington and Chelsea.About UsKensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough.As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all.Interview Details Interviews will take place in person the week commencing 24 November and 1 December 2025.Please note that we will ask for your RTPIReady to join us?We’re all in – are you? If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we’d love to hear from you.Please apply online explaining how you meet the requirements set out in the person specification and job description. We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants.We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.We are committed to fair, transparent, and consistent pay practices. New hires will start at the minimum of the salary range.Employees receive annual salary increases until they reach the top of the pay scale. In addition, employees will receive any agreed cost of living pay rises.