Graduate Planner (Development Management)

A Graduate Planning Officer role supporting planning applications, urban regeneration, sustainability, and development management for the Oxford Street Development Corporation in a high-profile London public planning environment.

About the role

The Oxford Street Development Corporation is establishing a new planning service for one of Central London’s most significant and high-profile locations. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career planner to help support the delivery of a new, proactive and design-led Local Planning Authority.

As Graduate Planning Officer / Planning Officer, you will support the Development Management team in handling planning applications, pre-application enquiries, planning research, site analysis, consultation processes and related casework.

You will work alongside experienced planners and specialists, helping to ensure that proposals are assessed clearly, fairly and efficiently.

The OSDC area includes a nationally important commercial, cultural, retail and historic environment, with significant opportunities for regeneration, public realm improvement, inclusive design, heritage enhancement and high-quality development.

This role will give you the opportunity to develop your planning skills in a fast-moving and high-profile environment, while contributing to outcomes that will shape the future of Oxford Street and its surrounding area.

Working as part of the Development Management team, you will support senior officers, contribute to high-quality reports and advice, liaise with applicants and stakeholders, and help the planning service operate effectively from day one.

What your day will look like

• Support the processing and assessment of planning applications, pre-application enquiries and related development management casework.

• Assist with site visits, planning history checks, policy research, consultation reviews and case analysis.

• Prepare draft reports, correspondence, briefing notes, consultation summaries and planning assessments under supervision.

• Help assess proposals against relevant planning policy, design, heritage, sustainability, accessibility, transport, amenity and public realm considerations.

• Liaise with applicants, agents, residents, businesses, statutory consultees, local authorities and internal colleagues in a professional and helpful way.

• Support Planning Committee preparation, including report checking, presentation material, briefing notes and follow-up actions.

• Help maintain accurate records, update case management systems, monitor deadlines and support good customer service.

• Contribute to wider service improvement, templates, guidance, procedures and the preparation of the OSDC Local Plan where required.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Degree-level qualification in planning, urban studies, geography, architecture, regeneration, built environment or another relevant discipline.

• An interest in development management, urban regeneration, design quality, public realm, heritage, sustainability and place shaping.

• Some understanding of the planning system, including planning applications, national planning policy, the London Plan, local planning policy and the role of a Local Planning Authority.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate and well-structured advice.

• Good analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to manage tasks, deadlines and competing priorities.

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, applicants, consultees and stakeholders, while demonstrating good judgement, curiosity and a commitment to public service.

Behavioural Competencies

Communicating and Influencing

… is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate and engage with us.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance

• Communicates openly and inclusively with colleagues and stakeholders.

• Presents information clearly, accurately and in a way that is easy to understand.

• Listens carefully and asks appropriate questions to understand different viewpoints.

• Writes clearly and concisely for different audiences.

• Seeks advice where needed and uses feedback to improve the quality of communication.

Building and Managing Relationships

… is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing

knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance

• Builds positive working relationships with colleagues, applicants, consultees and stakeholders.

• Works collaboratively as part of a team and contributes to shared objectives.

• Treats others with respect, professionalism and fairness.

• Shares information appropriately and keeps others updated on progress.

• Seeks to understand different perspectives and contributes to constructive problem solving.

Decision Making

...is forming sound, evidence-based judgements, making choices, assessing risks to delivery, and taking accountability for results.

Level 1/2 indicators of effective performance

• Uses available evidence, policy and guidance to support recommendations.

• Recognises when advice or escalation is needed.

• Considers relevant planning issues before reaching a view.

• Keeps clear records of advice, actions and decisions.

• Demonstrates awareness of OSDC’s decision-making processes and how to use them.

Planning and Organising

… is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance

• Organises own workload and manages tasks in line with agreed priorities.

• Meets deadlines and keeps colleagues informed of progress.

• Pays attention to detail, ensuring work is accurate and well presented.

• Identifies issues early and seeks support where needed.

• Responds flexibly to changing priorities while maintaining quality.