Planning Officer

Planning Officer – Gloucestershire | Local Authority
£30 PAYE / £38.41 Umbrella (Inside IR35)
37 Hours per Week
Initial Contract

Overview of the Role Service Care Solutions are currently recruiting for an experienced Planning Officer to join a Local Authority in Gloucestershire. This is an excellent opportunity to support the Development Management team by managing a varied caseload of planning applications, providing professional planning advice and helping to deliver high-quality development across the district.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing planning applications, preparing officer reports, engaging with applicants and stakeholders, and ensuring applications are determined in accordance with local and national planning policy.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of small-scale planning and related applications from submission through to determination.
• Prepare clear, accurate and well-researched officer reports and recommendations within statutory timescales.
• Respond to pre-application enquiries, providing professional planning advice and guidance.
• Assess applications against Local Plan policies, National Planning Policy and other material planning considerations.
• Negotiate with applicants and agents to achieve positive planning outcomes.
• Attend and present applications at Planning Committee and Site Inspection Panels where required.
• Assist with written representation appeals and support senior officers at hearings and public inquiries.
• Liaise with applicants, agents, elected members, parish councils and members of the public throughout the planning process.
• Provide guidance and technical support to junior Planning and Enforcement Officers.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure all correspondence and documentation is completed to a high professional standard.

Requirements

• Previous experience working within Development Management for a UK Local Authority.
• Eligible for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Good understanding of Local and National Planning Policy, planning legislation and relevant guidance.
• Experience assessing planning applications and producing high-quality officer reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise competing deadlines.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic document management systems.
• A proactive, customer-focused approach with excellent attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience presenting applications at Planning Committee.
• Experience dealing with planning appeals and public inquiries.
• Previous experience mentoring or supporting junior planning colleagues.

Contact: James Glover at Service Care Solutions on 01772 208967
or via email at james.glover@servicecare.org.uk