Planning Officer

Job Purpose

To support the Local Planning Authority in delivering high-quality planning services by providing pre-application advice, assessing planning applications, and contributing to the decision-making process in line with statutory requirements, local development plans, and national planning policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clear, timely, and professional advice to applicants and developers on planning proposals.
  
• Assist in early-stage engagement with applicants to ensure proposals comply with planning policies and guidance.
  
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to gather relevant information for pre-application assessments.
  
• Receive, validate, and assess planning applications, including minor and major developments.
  
• Prepare detailed reports evaluating proposals against local planning policies, national guidance, and relevant legislation.
  
• Ensure consultation with statutory and non-statutory consultees as required.
  
• Provide recommendations on planning applications for approval, refusal, or modification.
  
• Present reports to senior officers, planning committees, or delegated authority decision-makers.
  
• Ensure that decisions are made in compliance with statutory requirements and best practice
  
• Assist in monitoring compliance with planning conditions and planning obligations where necessary.
  
• Provide input on enforcement cases related to breaches of planning control.
  
• Attend site visits, meetings, and public consultations to gather and provide information.
  
• Keep up to date with national and local planning policies, legislation, and guidance.
  
• Participate in professional development activities and training programs.
  

Requirements

• Professional knowledge of town and country planning, including relevant legislation and national guidance.
  

• Experience in assessing planning applications and providing pre-application advice.
  

• Familiarity with local development plans and planning policy frameworks.
  

• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
  

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines.
  

• Competence in IT and planning application management systems.
  

• Degree in Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, or related field.
  

• Membership or working towards membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) preferred.