Planning Officer

Job Title: Planning Officer (Development Management)

Location: Surrey (Hybrid - 3 days remote, 2 days onsite)

Contract: Temporary - 12 Weeks

Start Date: 30 March 2026

Hours: 36 hours per week

Rate:

• PAYE: £21.35 per hour
• Umbrella/Limited: £27.84 per hour
• (Client budget up to £40 per hour Umbrella depending on experience)
• Working Pattern: Hybrid - typically 2 days onsite (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

Ribble Recruitment is currently assisting a local authority with the recruitment of 2 Planning Officers to support the Development Management team during a temporary peak in workload.

This role will focus on managing a caseload of householder and lower complexity planning applications, helping ensure efficient determination of applications while allowing senior planning officers to focus on larger and more complex developments.

The position offers a hybrid working model, with the majority of work completed remotely alongside regular attendance at the council offices in Surrey.

• Manage a caseload of planning applications in line with national and local planning policies.
• Assess applications in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and adopted planning policies.
• Prepare planning reports and recommendations for determination by planning managers or committees.
• Provide planning advice to residents, developers, architects, and stakeholders via telephone, email, and pre-application enquiries.
• Assist in appeal preparation and representation, particularly written representations and informal hearings.
• Support senior officers on major development applications where required.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation, policy changes, and best practice.
• Contribute to the efficient operation of the Development Management service.

• Experience working within planning or development management in a local authority or similar environment.
• Ability to interpret planning policy and assess planning applications.
• Strong communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to manage workloads and meet statutory deadlines.
• Experience reviewing plans, drawings, and development proposals.
• Good IT skills and experience using planning or case management systems.

• Planning-related degree or qualification aligned with RTPI entry requirements.
• Experience handling householder or minor planning applications.
• Commitment to working towards RTPI membership.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to undertake site visits when required.

An electric pool car is available for officers who prefer not to use their own vehicle for site visits.

• Interview Date: Friday 6 March 2026 (flexibility available)
• Format: Microsoft Teams
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
• Panel: Development Manager and Planning Team Leader

Ribble Recruitment is assisting the hiring organisation with candidate sourcing, screening, and the initial stages of the recruitment process.

For more information or to apply, please contact:

Lewis Ashcroft

Ribble Recruitment