Senior Planner

Salary

£37,280 - £42,839

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full Time

Job category/type

Leeds City Council

Date posted

17/11/2025

Job reference

REQ004272

Job title: Senior Planner (Development Management)

Salary: SO2/PO2 £37,280 - £42,839

Hours: 37

Contract: Permanent

Location: Leeds

As a Senior Planner you'll enjoy working with colleagues across the Council and outside it to deliver key planning services to the city. You'll be joining one of the largest core city planning authorities in the country, within a diverse and thriving area.

The role is more than about processing applications, it presents an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and progress your career whilst shaping significant developments in Leeds, to achieve high quality, sustainable development.

Leeds City Council is one of the biggest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Senior Planner you will bring to the role:

• An understanding of how planning can contribute to the delivery of high-quality sustainable development and the achievement of sustainable communities.
• Ability to influence outcomes and negotiate solutions.
• Sound experience of working within a planning environment, including dealing with more complex and / or sensitive schemes.
• Ability to manage own workload effectively and demonstrate timely case management, though 'on the job' support and training will be provided.
• Experience of working effectively with others to deliver high quality outcomes.

About the role

To deal with a full range of planning proposals appropriate to grade and experience and deliver related planning services to consistently high standards within a specific area team aligned to an Area / Community Plans Panel. To meet performance targets within a culture of proactive development management.

You will liaise closely with colleagues in all areas of the Council, other authorities, public bodies and private organisations to deliver high quality services to Members, developers and the citizens of Leeds.

The service is based in Merrion House in Leeds City Centre, but has adopted a flexible, hybrid working model.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Adam Ward, Team Leader. Call or email

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

To deal with a full range of planning proposals appropriate to grade and experience and deliver related planning services to consistently high standards within a specific area team aligned to an Area / Community Plans Panel. To meet performance targets within a culture of proactive development management.

The post holder will be able to progress through the specified grades as experience and knowledge is gained. Support, guidance and training will be given to the post holder to assist in effective delivery of the responsibilities.

Specific Responsibilities:

• To act as a case officer and engage with developers, prospective applicants and agents, ward members and the local community in pre-application discussions and to apply a project managed approach to development proposals.
• To give appropriate and timely responses to customer enquiries on planning matters.
• To act as the case officer and deal with a range of planning proposals and applications which according to grade, experience and career progression could include major and complex cases and those of a high profile nature and to make recommendations to a senior officer / Plans Panel for decision.
• Attending meetings with prospective developers and their agents to advise on planning proposals.
• To keep Elected Members, MPs, and customers appropriately informed on planning matters and deliver a high level of customer care, including attendance at meetings.
• To undertake work in connection with a range of planning appeals which according to grade, experience and career progression could include major and complex cases and those of a high profile nature at Hearing or Public Inquiry.
• To attend and present items which have been case managed at Plans Panel where required.
• To manage and lead on specific projects and service improvements where required
• To give advice and mentor junior members of staff where required
• Liaising closely with colleagues in all areas of the department to secure the delivery of satisfactory services to Members, citizens and developers.
• Liaison and joint working with other teams, departments, Authorities, public bodies and
  
  private organisations.
• Keeping abreast of changes in legislation, policy and procedures, ensuring such changes are taken into account in all matters dealt with.
• The Directorate operates a Staff Appraisal and Development Scheme which includes individual Action Plans and a collective Training Plan.
• You will be expected to participate actively and responsibly in the agreement of a Personal Action Plan and in meeting its agreed aim and targets.
• To abide by the Councils Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council.
• To abide by the Council's No Smoking Policy.
• To undertake such other duties commensurate with the grade of the post

Qualifications

A recognised qualification in Planning or a related discipline e.g. diploma or degree is essential.

Essential Attributes SO2 & PO2

• Ability to keep accurate records and to maange complex cases to deliver outcomes
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of customers and be customer focused
• Ability to apply negotiation and problem solving skills
• Ability to work to high standards and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to act on own initiative
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility, self motivation and determination
• Ability to apply knowledge of planning and enforcement including planning law and policy
• Ability to read, interpret plans and maps
• Able to prepare detailed reports and make recommendations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Knowledge of the role, functions and responsibility of a local authority
• Have a sound understanding of the legal and operational framework of the forward planning functions within Local Government
• Possess understanding of urban and rural planning issues and/or plan implementation
• Possess a recognised qualification in Planning or a related discipline e.g. Diploma or Degree
• Knowledge of public Inquiries process
• Possess knowledge of technical planning matters and organisational tools relevant to the areas of work in which the applicant is interested
• Experience of using IT packages
• Experience of report writing
• Experience of dealing with members of the public
• Experience of working as part of a team
• Experience of using IT packages
• Experience of report writing
• Willing to abide by the Councils Equal opportunities policy in the duties of the post and as an employee of the council
• Willing to take personal responsibility under and abide by the Councils Health and Safety policy.
• Awareness of and an ability to respect the sensitive and confidential nature of the work
• Conscientious and committed approach towards completing tasks accurately and to deadlines to achieve service objectives
• Committed to own personal development and learning

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES PO2 ONLY

• Knowledge of Project Management Techniques
• In depth experience of planning enforcement and investigative work
• Experience of project management to deliver complex projects

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES SO2

• Knowledge of Project Management Techniques
• Member (or Student Member) of the RTPI or another appropriate professional body
• In depth experience of planning enforcement and investigative work
• Experience of project management to deliver complex projects

JOB PROFILE

SO2 DUTIES

• Deals with a range of planning applications and pre application cases including some which are more complex and is able to negotiate solutions and give advice to customers / members of the public without supervision .
• Writes detailed reports on complex issues, reaches reasoned conclusions and makes recommendations demonstrating a good understanding of policies and material considerations
• Undertakes presentations and represents the Council in public forums
• Deals with a range of appeals both in writing and at Hearings including costs submissions
• Manages small projects including complex applications and / or those relating to service improvements
• Demonstrates a knowledge of legislation and guidance and its application
• Supporting the development of other staff within the workplace.
• Carries out professional and technical duties to a fully job competent level, without supervision.
• To actively promote the service in order to raise the profile of the council and demonstrate its value to all members, residents and customers.
  
  (All of the above without supervision)

PO2 DUTIES

• Deputising for senior management as instructed and foster good community relationships
• Supervision of other officers as assigned or seconded to the post holder
• Actively support continuous improvement initiatives through contributing to cross council projects and supporting Planning Services Management team.
• Specialist and general knowledge of technical matters and demonstration of training and coaching.
• Writes detailed reports on a full range of complex issues without supervision and presents at member / senior manager meetings.
• Undertakes presentations and represents the council in public forums.
• Supports appeals work including appearing at hearings, inquiries and examinations.
• Engages with Ward members and local communities in dealing with complex urban and rural planning issues / matters and advising recommendations and a course of action.
• Manages complex projects and /or those relating to service improvements.
• Deals with a full range of planning duties including those of a very complex and / or sensitive nature.
• Manages and leads projects using project management techniques and reporting mechanisms to ensure timely delivery of complex projects
• Manages and leads on cross council projects.