About Us

• Do you have passion and enthusiasm for Urban Design? 
• Do you want a diverse, exciting and challenging workload in a friendly team?
• Do you want to work in one of London’s most exciting environments, leading and advising on urban design and design review?

If you answered yes, we want to hear from you.

Two exciting opportunities have arisen within the Spatial Planning service for:

• a new permanent Senior Conservation and Urban Design Officer, and
• a new permanent part-time Conservation and Urban Design Officer

Both roles are based within the Spatial Planning and Design team, where there is a small team of specialists dealing with urban design and conservation matters.

You will have the opportunity to input into a range of urban design matters, including place making, plan making and development management functions of the service.

About the roles

The Senior Officer will have the challenging opportunity of leading the two Design Review Panels, one for Richmond and one for Wandsworth, and the Conservation and Urban Design Officer will be assisting with this process. Both Officers will also have the opportunity to work on the boroughs’ Local Plans and contribute to urban design studies as well as Design Codes. Providing definitive advice on planning proposals and planning applications will also be a key part of both roles and occasionally you will be involved in conservation area and historic building matters.

The principle of good urban design is a fundamental component of achieving good growth in the boroughs. Both boroughs are strong advocates of high quality design and design-led approaches to development, recognising the importance of design and place making, and the value it adds to existing and future communities.  

Senior Conservation and Urban Design Officer:

• Take a key role in a small team of planning professionals in providing definitive and professional advice for the councils on urban design matters;
• Lead on the Richmond and Wandsworth Design Review Panels;
• Be responsible for the application of urban design advice on a full range of development management case work.
• Contribute to the preparation of urban design studies and strategies;
• Contribute to the development of the boroughs’ Local Plans, such as on design and building height policies;
• Assess and contribute to public realm proposals;
• Lead and/or contribute to the preparation of urban design studies, design guides, design codes and other relevant strategies liaising and engaging with developers and the local community;
• Coach and supervise junior officers to help them acquire the skills and knowledge so that they can become self-reliant in dealing with technical and people issues.

Conservation and Urban Design Officer

• Support the Senior and Principal officers in the team by providing input into a range of urban design matters, including place making, plan making and development management functions of the service.
• Assist in the management and administration of the Richmond and Wandsworth Design Review Panels;
• Providing urban design advice on a range of planning proposals, including pre-applications and applications;
• Assist in the preparation of urban design studies, design guides, design codes and other relevant strategies, liaising and engaging with developers and the local community;
• Assist in the development of the boroughs’ Local Plans, such as on design and building height policies.

Who are we
 Wandsworth is a thriving Inner London Borough on the southern banks of the River Thames that is steeped in a diverse history. The borough features landmarks such as the iconic Battersea Power Station, Ram Brewery and Clapham Junction Station, and is acknowledged for its famous green spaces such as Wandsworth and Clapham Commons, Putney Heath and the Grade II* listed Battersea Park.

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.

We are part of the Planning and Transport Strategy Division and the Spatial Planning Service under the wider Environment and Community Services Directorate.

We are positive and ambitious – When you join us, you’ll apply the same approach.

If you would like to discuss the opportunities in more detail, please contact Adam Hutchings, Spatial Planning and Design Team Manager on 020 8871 6650 or email adam.hutchings@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk.

Why choose?
 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 or part-time hours, term time only, job shares 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.

How to apply?
 Please register, submit your CV and a supporting statement addressing how you meet the requirements of this role. If you are having difficulty in applying online, please contact the Recruitment Team on 0208 871 8825 or recruitment@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk to see if we can offer alternative arrangements for you to apply.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date:  7 January 2024

Shortlisting Date: W/C 8 January 2024

Interview Date: W/C 15 January 2024 

Useful Information:

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

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. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Equality 

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.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

This recruitment process will be anonymised

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