Planning Officer – Major Projects (Temporary)

About the role

Guildford Borough Council is looking for an experienced Planning Officer to join its Planning Team on a temporary basis. You will lead the assessment, negotiation and delivery of strategic, major and complex planning applications from pre‑application through to determination.

Key responsibilities

• Manage strategic, major and complex planning applications, including those under Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).
• Negotiate planning obligations such as Section 106 Agreements.
• Prepare robust reports and recommendations for the Planning Committee.
• Present applications to the Committee and respond to Member questions.
• Conduct site visits, brief elected Members and attend stakeholder meetings.
• Ensure all applications comply with relevant legislation, policy and statutory requirements.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing major and complex planning applications.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate Section 106 Agreements.
• Experience preparing Planning Committee reports.
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Sound professional judgement on complex planning matters.
• Proactive, organised approach to competing priorities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Hybrid working – one day per week in the office (preferably Wednesday).
• Competitive hourly rate of £52.50 plus accrued holiday pay, rising to a total of £61.69 after 12 weeks.
• Opportunity to work on high‑profile major projects within a supportive council environment.