Graduate Planner (Development Management)

The Oxford Street Development Corporation

You will be joining an organisation whose work is helping to shape the future of one of London’s most iconic places. The Oxford Street Development Corporation has been established to lead the long-term regeneration and transformation of Oxford Street and its surrounding area to deliver a world-class public realm and safer, cleaner streets, and to supporting high-quality development, culture and economic activity that keeps the area thriving.

You will be joining a rapidly growing organisation fully dedicated to restoring Oxford Street to its former glory and to shape its exciting next chapter.

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.

his 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.

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

This role is based at 19-23 Wells Street, London W1T 3PQ with an expectation of Hybrid working in the office 2/3 days a week.

How to apply

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 essential criteria outlined above in 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 you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

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 OSDC’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 Anne Ogundiya would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at planning.enquiries@oxfordstreet.org.uk

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA 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

Equality, 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

OSDC staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will 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.

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.