About Us

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified Planning Officers within our Development Management Team based in Richmond, taking personal responsibility for dealing with planning applications, pre applications and appeals as required. With excellent communication skills you’ll assume responsibility for effective negotiation and resolution, to ensure outcomes that reflect the Council’s wider positive objectives and policies of promoting high quality and innovative development while conserving the historic character of both Boroughs.

Who are we

Richmond is arguably London’s most attractive borough with the River Thames running for over 10 miles through the borough, linking Hampton Court Palace, Richmond and Twickenham Town Centres and Kew Gardens with London.   Richmond boasts Royal Parks and open spaces, historic houses, vibrant town centres bursting with life, as well as being the home of English rugby.  With major developments on the horizon, there are exciting opportunities to broaden your experience in such a unique environment.  

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames presents a unique opportunity to be part of a sociable and supportive team who are working together to create an effective shared staffing arrangement across both Richmond and Wandsworth boroughs.

Who are you

The ideal person for one of these roles will hold an RTPI accredited planning qualification and be able to demonstrate knowledge of Development Management although direct experience is not essential, it would be desirable. You will have the ability to read and assess plans, write accurate and concise reports, as well as meet tight deadlines. You’ll have good knowledge of planning legislation and policy at local, regional, and national levels.   You will have excellent communication and customer-care skills, the ability to work flexibly, as part of a busy and high performing team, while we will provide you with opportunities to undertake relevant training to help you develop in your role and further progress your career. 

If you would like to discuss the posts, please contact Robert Angus, Robert.Angus@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

At Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, we care more about how you work and what you achieve, rather than where you work on any given day. The difference you can make to our local communities is what really matters most to us, service delivery must always come first. We have carefully considered agile ways of working to provide the best experience for residents, stakeholders and our staff. Our agile working strategy actively supports and encourages a dynamic work environment and daily working experience. Agile working helps put the needs of our staff at the centre of everything we do, so if specific flexible working arrangements helps you with this, feel free to let us know.

Your wellbeing and the flexible way in which you can work is and will remain a key priority for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. We want you to thrive and feel empowered in your work!

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed hours and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 40 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline:

Closing Date: Sunday 3rd September 2023

Shortlisting Date: W/C  4th September  2023 

Interview Date: W/C 11th September 2023 

  Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change due to the current Covid-19 situation. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible. Your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Should you become unwell due to Covid-19 during the recruitment process we would very much appreciate receiving an update from you as soon as possible.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

The application process for this campaign will be anonymised.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils