Senior Planning Officer

Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Planner to join its Development Management team in the Planning Directorate. 

Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC)

This is your opportunity to help shape Old Oak and Park Royal, London’s largest Opportunity Area and one of the most exciting and ambitious regeneration projects in the UK. OPDC is one of two of the Mayor of London’s Development Corporations and spans three London boroughs, the Park Royal industrial estate and is home to the new High Speed 2 and Elizabeth line station, the only place where these two major new rail lines meet. OPDC is leading the planning and regeneration of this emerging new district with the potential to deliver many thousands of new homes and jobs over the coming years.

What we’re looking for

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented individual to join our Development Management team as a Senior Planner on a permanent contract, to help resource an expanding workload associated with increased planning and development activity in the area. The successful candidate will have a varied caseload comprising a range of planning applications and pre-application proposals, for major residential, mixed use and industrial developments, post-permission matters including the discharge of conditions and Section 106 obligations, as well as some smaller commercial and householder applications. Working within a close-knit team, you will be expected to work proactively on your own caseload, prepare reports for decision under delegated authority and by OPDC’S Planning Committee, and respond to enquiries from the public, providing advice and guidance on the Corporation’s planning processes and implementation of policies within the OPDC Local Plan.

You will possess a relevant degree and be eligible for RTPI membership. You will be able to demonstrate successful experience in a similar role and will have a good understanding of the working environment of a local planning authority. Demonstrable experience of dealing with large-scale major applications is desirable. You will also have an excellent understanding of the local, regional and national planning policy context and legislative framework. You believe strongly in working flexibly as part of a team to get the job done and are confident in your technical expertise and experience to proactively manage your own workload and deliver successful outcomes.

Principal accountabilities of the role include:

• Working on a range of major and/or complex planning applications, ensuring that they are dealt with in accordance with agreed performance targets.
• Managing your own caseload of planning applications and pre-application proposals, as delegated by the Head of Planning Development.
• Preparing written reports for decision both under delegated authority and by the Planning Committee.
• Working across professional boundaries and OPDC directorates to contribute to the wider success of the Corporation.
• Building and maintaining relationships with internal and external contacts, to represent the Development Management function, and the wider Corporation in a positive, professional and engaging way.

OPDC follows the GLA Competency Framework Guidelines. Further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the criteria for this role that has been outlined throughout the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring it addresses the criteria for this role that has been outlined throughout the advert.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345)

As part of OPDC’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination. 

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Patrick Harmsworth would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at [email protected]

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the [email protected] who support the OPDC with recruitment.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: To be confirmed

Equity, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share. 

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

OPDC staff are hybrid working at least 2 days a week in our offices in North Acton. You will therefore need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme with the option to add to build up pension benefits with a separate provider alongside your LGPS pension via additional voluntary contributions.

Learning and development 

At OPDC we are dedicated to empowering team members through ongoing learning opportunities and professional development initiatives. Our commitment to learning and development means that we will provide you with the resources and support to expand your skills and grow your career. 

Additional Information 

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening. 

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact [email protected].