Join the Swale Planning Team
We’re recruiting for staff in our Planning Team
It’s an exciting time to join Planning at Swale. With renewed momentum behind our Local Plan, a restructured Planning Applications team geared for success, and the bringing together of our planning, regeneration, economic development and property teams in the newly formed Place Service, you’ll find a host of opportunities.
Our new structure is designed to retain, develop and attract the best talent. With a supportive, collaborative environment at its heart, you’ll benefit from a 34 hour week, generous leave entitlement (including Christmas closure) and a borough rich in heritage and ecology.
With a strategic location within the county and wider region, and boasting a unique geography, it will come as no surprise that Swale attracts an exciting diversity of planning interest.
If you’re passionate about place-making and understand the importance of outstanding customer service, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply, please send CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role to hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk
Current Vacancies
-
Chief Planning Officer
SECTION: Planning
SALARY: £65,553 – £76,683 + £3,000 market supplement
Location: Sittingbourne, Kent (hybrid)
Contract Type: Permanent
About us
Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas.
We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best.
In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.
The work you will be doing
Following a restructure of our Planning service, we are looking for a Planning professional with extensive experience of leading a Planning service.
As the Chief Planning Officer, you will support the Head of Place in leading the planning service by balancing a strategic approach and operational insight to ensure the service delivers both an efficient and effective planning service and a robust Local Plan.
You will be responsible for identifying and optimising cross-working opportunities to increase service resilience, and for deputising for the Head of Service in all aspects of the role, including corporate requirements.
About You
You should have a Degree / Post Graduate Diploma in Town Planning and full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
You should have excellent understanding of planning law and the stages, interdependencies and political and stakeholder dimensions of Local Plan development, as well as excellent understanding of viability issues and their impact on Planning.
Additionally you should have strong knowledge of stakeholder specialisms, including ecology, transport, urban design, heritage and archaeology.
What we can offer
If you choose to join us in this interesting role, we will provide you with a great benefits package that includes a competitive salary, access to our desirable local Government Pension Scheme.
We will also contribute to relocation expenses if relevant, and you will receive 30 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and an extra day at Christmas.
We want you to find the perfect work-life balance, so flexible working options will be considered, plus you will have access to a range of additional benefits such as discounts on high street chains and leisure centres, plus our cycle-to-work scheme.
Above all else, you will find an inclusive and supportive working environment, in which your professional and personal wellbeing are important to us.
If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Joanne Johnson, Head of Place on 01795 417080.
To apply, please attach CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role.
Closing Date: 5 May 2024
Interview Date: 16 May 2024
To apply, please send CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role to hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk
-
Planning Officer (Policy)
SECTION: Planning
SALARY: £31,473 – £39,855 (career graded 6/7)
Location: Sittingbourne, Kent (hybrid)
Contract Type: Permanent
34 hours per week
About us
Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas. We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best.
In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.
The work you will be doing
It’s a busy time for the Planning Policy team at Swale and we need an enthusiastic and conscientious Planning Officer to join us and help progress our Local Plan review.
With coastline, countryside and towns, we can offer diverse and interesting experience working with a supportive and committed team.
You will be involved in the preparation and implementation of development and design policies and advice, as well as the production of evidence bases, development briefs and planning guidance.
You will also be responsible for preparing and presenting the Council’s case at appeals, inquiries, hearings, Court Hearings and Examinations in Public commensurate to grade; and will support the preparation and presentation of reports to member Working Groups and Committees as required.
What you will bring to this role
You will hold an appropriate undergraduate degree/diploma.
You should have a good understanding of the roles of a variety of consultees including Ward Councillors and Statutory Consultees, as well as Local and National policy making and the process of Local Plan and other Policy consultations.
Additionally, you will have excellent knowledge of the principal differences between planning in the urban area and the countryside.
We are interested in hearing from positive, energetic and conscientious candidates with a passion for planning policy. Applicants should be well organised and able to work on their own initiative as well as part of a team.
What we can offer
If you choose to join us in this interesting role, we will provide you with a great benefits package that includes a competitive salary and access to our desirable local Government Pension Scheme.
You will receive 30 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and an extra day at Christmas.
We want you to find the perfect work-life balance, so flexible working options will be considered, plus you will have access to a range of additional benefits such as discounts on high street chains and leisure centres, plus our cycle-to-work scheme.
Above all else, you will find an inclusive and supportive working environment, in which your professional and personal wellbeing are important to us.
If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Natalie Earl on 01795 417023 or Stuart Watson on 01795 417007
To apply, please attach CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role.
Closing Date: 12th May 2024
Interview Date: w/c 27 May 2024
To apply, please send CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role to hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk
-
Planning Manager (Policy)
SECTION: Planning
SALARY: £56,023 – £63,016 + £3,000 market supplement
Location: Sittingbourne, Kent (hybrid)
Contract Type: Permanent
34-hours per week
About us
Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas.
We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best.
In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.
The work you will be doing
We are seeking an experienced Planning Policy professional to be responsible for the management, delivery and implementation of the Local Plan.
This post offers a unique opportunity to help shape the borough of Swale by delivering the integral Local Plan, heading up the busy Planning Policy Team whilst ensuring quality of implementation through master planning and collaborative working with the Planning Applications team.
What we can offer
If you choose to join us in this interesting role, we will provide you with a great benefits package that includes a competitive salary, as well as a market supplement and access to our desirable local Government Pension Scheme.
We will also contribute to relocation expenses if relevant, and you will receive 30 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and an extra day at Christmas.
We want you to find the perfect work-life balance, so flexible working options will be considered, plus you will have access to a range of additional benefits such as discounts on high street chains and leisure centres, plus our cycle-to-work scheme.
Above all else, you will find an inclusive and supportive working environment, in which your professional and personal wellbeing are important to us.
About You
You will hold a Town Planning qualification at degree level or equivalent and have full corporate Membership of a relevant professional institution (RTPI).
You should have excellent working knowledge of current UK planning policy and practice, be confident in representing the Council at public meetings and have the ability to write and present complex Committee reports and to deliver presentations to both the public and external key stakeholders.
If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Joanne Johnson, Head of Place on 01795 417080.
To apply, please attach CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role.
Closing Date: 12 May 2024
Interview Date: 3 June 2024
To apply, please send CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role to hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk
-
Principal Planning Officer (Planning Applications) x 4
SECTION: Planning
SALARY: £39,993 – £44,988 + £3,000 market supplement
Location: Sittingbourne, Kent (hybrid)
Contract Type: Permanent
About us
Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas.
We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best.
In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.
The work you will be doing
We are looking for 4 experienced Planning Officers to join our newly formed Planning Applications Team.
You will provide day to day leadership, mentoring and sign off to junior officers to ensure the delivery of a high-quality planning service, supporting and deputising for the Team Leader as required.
You will be expected to process a complex case load of planning applications and pre-application enquiries; monitoring development approvals and permissions; providing development advice to householders, agents, developers and landowners.
You will also prepare and present the Council’s case at appeals, inquiries, hearings, injunctions, Court Hearings and Examinations in Public commensurate to grade.
You will prepare and present of reports to Planning committee.
What you will bring to the role
You should be a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or working towards it.
You should have excellent understanding of all types of planning applications with a good understanding of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations.
You will be expected to be able to give clear and concise advice and support to junior colleagues and technical staff in a mentoring capacity, including counter signing for sign off.
You will have the ability to deal with a caseload of complex major applications and the ability to deal with major commercial development.
Additionally, you should have proven communication skills with colleagues, stakeholders, Parish Councils, Ward Members and users of the service to achieve corporate objectives.
What we can offer
If you choose to join us in this interesting role, we will provide you with a great benefits package that includes a competitive salary, a car allowance of £1,000 and access to our desirable local Government Pension Scheme.
We will also contribute to relocation expenses if relevant, and you will receive 30 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and an extra day at Christmas.
We want you to find the perfect work-life balance, so flexible working options will be considered, plus you will have access to a range of additional benefits such as discounts on high street chains and leisure centres, plus our cycle-to-work scheme.
Above all else, you will find an inclusive and supportive working environment, in which your professional and personal wellbeing are important to us.
If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Ceri Williams, Planning Manager (Planning Applications) on 01795 417116.
To apply, please attach CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role.
Closing Date: 12th May 2024
Interview Date: w/c 27 May 2024
To apply, please send CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role to hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk
-
Principal Planning Officer (Policy)
SECTION: Planning
SALARY: £39,993 – £44,988 + £3,000 market supplement pro rata
Location: Sittingbourne, Kent (hybrid)
Contract Type: Permanent
16 hours per week
About us
Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas.
We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best.
In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.
The work you will be doing
It’s a busy time for the Planning Policy team at Swale and we need an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join us and help progress our Local Plan review.
With coastline, countryside and towns, we can offer diverse and interesting experience working with a supportive and committed team.
You will take the lead and assist in the review and preparation of planning policies and strategies to inform Swale’s Local Plan Review.
You will be actively involved in engagement activities through presenting relevant information to stakeholders and interested parties and leading on aspects of response collation, including analysis and summary.
You will provide informal and formal advice to Neighbourhood groups through their Plan making process, including assistance in Policy formulation, consultant engagement and Plan examination.
What you will bring to the role
You should be a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or working towards it.
You will have excellent understanding of the roles of a variety of consultees, including Ward Councillors and Statutory Consultees.
You will also have an excellent understanding of the Local and National policy making and of how Local authorities support Neighborhood Plan making.
What we can offer
If you choose to join us in this interesting role, we will provide you with a great benefits package that includes a competitive salary and access to our desirable local Government Pension Scheme.
We will also contribute to relocation expenses if relevant, and you will receive 30 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and an extra day at Christmas.
We want you to find the perfect work-life balance, so flexible working options will be considered, plus you will have access to a range of additional benefits such as discounts on high street chains and leisure centres, plus our cycle-to-work scheme.
Above all else, you will find an inclusive and supportive working environment, in which your professional and personal wellbeing are important to us.
If you would like to discuss this position, please contact If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Natalie Earl on 01795 417023 or Stuart Watson on 01795 417007.
To apply, please attach CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role.
Closing Date: 12th May 2024
Interview Date: w/c 27 May 2024
To apply, please send CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role to hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk
-
Technical Officer x 3
SECTION: Planning
SALARY: £27,840 – £31,254
Location: Sittingbourne, Kent (hybrid)
Contract Type: Permanent
34-hours per week
About us
Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas.
We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best.
In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.
About the Role
We are looking for three Technical Officers to join our recently restructured Customer Focus and Business Support team, to provide administrative support across the whole Planning service.
You will provide administrative support at Planning Committee, informal Planning and Transportation Policy Working Group meetings, appeals, inquiries, hearings, Court Hearings, Examinations in Public and throughout consultation exercises.
What you will bring to the role
You should have at least five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 4 (C) or above, incluing English Language and Maths and you should have the ability to undertake independent travel around the Borough.
You should posess good inter-personal and communication skills, with experience of dealing with the public and be able to work under pressure, to deadlines and by using your own initiative.
Experience of working within a local authority planning department is desirable but not essential.
What we can offer
If you choose to join us in this interesting role, we will provide you with a great benefits package that includes a competitive salary and access to our desirable local Government Pension Scheme.
We will also contribute to relocation expenses if relevant, and you will receive 30 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and an extra day at Christmas.
We want you to find the perfect work-life balance, so flexible working options will be considered, plus you will have access to a range of additional benefits such as discounts on high street chains and leisure centres, plus our cycle-to-work scheme.
Above all else, you will find an inclusive and supportive working environment, in which your professional and personal wellbeing are important to us.
If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Sara Potter, Customer Focus and Business Support Manager on 01795 417308.
To apply, please attach CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role.
Closing Date: 12th May 2024
Interview Date: w/c 27 May 2024
To apply, please send CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role to hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk
What our staff say
-
“I joined Swale in 2020 and have seen a lot of positive change, especially in recent months.
All team members are committed to excellent customer service, and staff wellbeing is high in SBC’s priorities. I have enjoyed the variety of technical and planning experience I’ve gained in my role.
The new structure has provided options and opportunities to progress and you will be joining a committed, motivated and friendly service that is passionate about the future of the borough”
-
“Having worked for Swale Borough Council for a number of years, I have seen many changes to the working environment, making work life balance a priority.
Colleagues are friendly and supportive. I have been given the opportunity to develop my career, enabling me to gain promotions. Staff are actively encouraged to expand their knowledge to support career progression.
Staff in Planning Services are dedicated to improving the built environment of Swale to enhance the living and working location of residents of Swale.”
Benefits
Leave and Flexible working
We don’t just offer flexibility in being able to work from home. Our Hybrid Working Policy allows opportunities for you to plan your working day around any other commitments (subject to fulfilling your contractual hours). Whether that’s the school run, your favourite yoga class, gardening or visiting elderly relatives, you can agree with your manager your schedule of work.
If you want to benefit from longer weekends or whole days off to accommodate your work like balance – compressed hours, a 9-day fortnight, annualised hours, part-time will all be considered.
As well as our generous holiday entitlement of 30 days, we provide you with additional leave that means we close the office between Christmas and New year so you can enjoy a festive break. You can also purchase additional annual leave should you want to enjoy even more time away from work.
Wellbeing
Our wellbeing offer is carefully designed provide you with confidential & independent information on a range of matters with access to professional counsellors, online of face to face. We offer you an annual flu vaccine and the opportunity to participate in our dedicated wellbeing weeks that provide holistic therapies, cooking classes, quizzes and outdoor activities such as climbing, paddle boarding and Segway.
Discounts and Savings
You will have immediate access to the benefits platform that gives you discounts on leisure activities, holidays, eating out, fuel, supermarket shopping and retail shopping.
Our 3 salary sacrifice schemes allow you to reduce your cash pay in return for a non-cash benefit. These being:
Our Cycle to Work scheme provides you a super cost-effective way of getting a brand new bike, cycling equipment or both. Save up to 42% of the usual cost depending on the amount of tax and national insurance (NI) you usually pay and spread the cost over several months straight from your salary.
Our car schemes allow you to choose a brand new fuel or electric car of your choice, built to specification or you can choose one of the in stock/arriving soon cars for a quicker delivery. The amount is taken directly from your salary, there is no deposit and the fixed monthly amount includes:
- Servicing and maintenance
- Fully comprehensive insurance including business use for you
- No quibble tire replacement
- Roadside assistance and European breakdown
- Road tax (where applicable)
Pension and Sickness payments
To support your retirement, we will contribute up to 20% of your salary to the Local Government Pension Scheme. This provides valuable life cover and financial protection for your family as well as ill health retirement options.
Our Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution Pension Scheme allows you to make cost efficient retirement savings alongside your Local Government Pension Scheme.
Should you need time off for health reasons, our generous scheme will pay your full salary for up to 6 months and you half salary for up to 6 months (service dependent).