Career Grade Planning Officer

We’re looking for Career Grade Planners (Development Management), to help us make meaningful change and to ensure optimal delivery of sustainable development.  The role is based in our Development Management - Planning Applications Team.

Islington is a busy inner London borough and is one of the most densely populated local authorities in England, as such it contains some of the country’s most deprived neighbourhoods in close proximity to areas of very considerable wealth. This brings challenges, however the Council has a clear vision to make Islington fairer and create a place where everyone, whatever their background, has the same opportunity to reach their potential and enjoy a good quality of life.

Ambitious and progressive planning policies have been adopted and are being further developed that build on long established aims to maximise affordable housing delivery, secure sustainable and net zero carbon development and deliver the highest quality built environment, whilst respecting, celebrating and protecting the borough’s unique character and heritage.

The built environment, new development and Development Management are key to delivering these ambitious objectives. In this role, as a Career Grade Planner, you will help drive and deliver the aims, objectives and policies of the new adopted Local Plan. You will carry a caseload of application and pre-application proposals, while also providing planning advice to residents, local businesses and colleagues from other disciplines. 

 Successful candidates will have a working knowledge of Development Management functions, a demonstrable interest in sustainability and the delivery of Net Zero Carbon within Development Management as well as excellent team working, collaborative working and stakeholder management skills. 

We are looking for passionate and enthusiastic planning professionals to join our fast paced, enthusiastic, varied and inherently interesting Planning Service to support the delivery of Islington Council’s key missions.

To apply you will have the following qualifications: (SO1 you should be attending a recognised course and for SO2 and above, you will have obtained qualifications from a recognised course).  You will also have the skills and knowledge to:

• Assess, negotiate amendments to and write up detailed recommendations at delegated and Committee levels on a range of complex minor planning applications.
• Write up appeal statements accurately, applying all relevant planning policies and material planning considerations and to explain complex matters verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.
• Taking the lead and working collaboratively with teams and colleagues across the Council on planning applications and to produce guidance notes and briefing documents.
• Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the Council and from other organisations
• Look for and find creative solutions, pay attention to detail and take responsibility for delivering high quality work.
• Work well under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Work productively with stakeholders including residents, councillors, contractors and other partners.

If this is you then we want to hear from you.

The attached job specification provides useful details and information relating to the roles within the Planning Applications Team.

For an informal discussion about the available roles, please contact Siobhan Mc Cool, 0207 527 2700 or Paul Conboy 0207 527 2260 both Applications Teams Managers.

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.

We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive. 

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.  

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!