Shape our beautiful coastline, countryside and skyline. Inspire our communities. Lead our growth.

Are you a visionary planner ready to make a lasting impact? We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Principal Planning Officer to champion high profile developments and drive strategic growth.

Rother District Council is an ambitious Council at the heart of 1066 Country in East Sussex. Based in Bexhill-on-Sea the district also covers the historic towns of Battle and Rye as well as a large, attractive rural area, predominantly falling within the High Weald National Landscape.

Rother is a vibrant and inclusive district, and we are looking for a forward-thinking planning professional to join our talented and enthusiastic planning team. The successful candidate will join the team at an exciting time and will play a key role in helping us to shape Rother. You will have the opportunity to influence large scale projects and directly impact on local sustainability, housing and economic goals.

As a valuable member of our planning team, you will join a progressive council that always puts their customers first.  We know that to provide the best for our residents, businesses and visitors, we need to do the same for our staff. We have set out to make our workplaces happy and safe environments where staff feel content and valued. As part of this commitment, you will be able to work your way and enjoy the benefits of a modern hybrid working model with flexible core hours.

You will need to have excellent analysis and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to appreciate the long-term vision of the work you are doing. You will be determined to do your best and help shape the Rother of the future to the benefit of all who live, work and visit here.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Deal with and prepare reports on planning applications, listed building applications and other forms of applications as submitted to the Local Planning Authority
• Prepare appeal statements and appear as a witness at Planning Hearings, Public Inquiries and court as and when required
• Deal as case officer with Major cases, including Major pre-application cases and schemes subject to a Planning Performance Agreements
• Attend Planning Committee to present cases and to advise members
• Carry out site inspections throughout the district in relation to planning application and enforcement reports and to carry out negotiations with applicants’ agents as appropriate
• Supporting the Development Manager and Development Management Team Leaders with taking responsibility for mentoring and management of more junior officers including leading weekly officer surgeries, signing off delegated reports and letters, undertaking 1-2-1s and annual appraisals and be responsible for the development of staff in the team to foster a collaborative, high-performing team

Key Skills and Experience

• Planning or related degree
• Relevant local planning authority experience, including a proven track record of handling major and complex planning applications
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Clear and confident communication skills
• Ability to work within a team and mentor junior staff
• To work under pressure and deal with unforeseen and urgent demands
• A proactive problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment

What Rother District Council can offer you:

We take pride in offering an excellent employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• 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

If you would like an informal discussion regarding this vacancy, please contact Matthew Worsley, Development Manager, via e-mail on [email protected] or telephone on 01424 787618 or Sarah Shepherd, Development Management Team Leader via e-mail on [email protected] or telephone on 01424 787607

The job description and application form can be found below.

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. If you have any queries regarding your application, please email [email protected].

The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on Sunday 30th August 2026.

Interviews will be held week commencing 7th September 2026.

 We welcome applications from all backgrounds and community sectors