At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with planning applications and provide support to the Planning Service team.
- Company: Join Oldham Council, dedicated to creating vibrant and sustainable communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and discounts on gym memberships and shopping.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that drives positive change in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in customer service are essential.
- Other info: Flexible home working arrangements available; commitment to safeguarding is a priority.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Economy Directorate
Planning Service (Development Management)
Planning Technical Support Officer (Development Management)
Ref: 000893
Contract: Fixed Term 12 months
Location: Oldham Council, Spindles Shopping Centre, Oldham, OL1 1LF (with flexible home working arrangements)
Closing Date: Sunday 20th July 2025
Shortlisting and Interview Dates: TBC
Role Overview
Oldham Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Planning Technical Support Officer to assist the Planning Service. Responsibilities include registering and validating planning applications, handling enquiries via email, phone, and in person from the public, Councillors, Agents, and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be organized, with good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
Key Responsibilities
- Validate planning applications efficiently, ensuring fees are correct and documentation is complete.
- Respond to enquiries regarding planning permission and provide guidance on application requirements.
- Support Development Management and Strategic Planning teams, including preparing Planning Committee agendas and processing appeals.
- Serve as the first point of contact for planning-related inquiries and provide appropriate advice.
Key Requirements
Minimum qualifications include:
- Experience working effectively with others to meet targets or deadlines.
- Experience providing courteous and efficient customer service.
- Strong team player with excellent communication skills.
We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect staff to share this commitment.
About Us
We aim for vibrant, safe neighborhoods and a sustainable economy in Oldham. Our missions focus on creating a great place to live, healthier lives, and a green, growing community. We encourage candidates to review our Corporate Plan and Oldham Plan for more details.
Our Values and Behaviours
We operate under the core values of ‘Proud, Ambitious, and Together’, guiding our culture and decisions. Our behaviours include working with residents, supporting local leaders, being committed to the borough, delivering high performance, and taking ownership to drive change. More information is available on our Greater.jobs Oldham page.
Benefits
Our benefits package includes:
- 25 days annual leave, increasing with service
- Option to purchase additional leave
- LGPS pension scheme with voluntary contributions
- Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active
- Staff discount schemes for shopping, entertainment, and travel
- Salary sacrifice schemes for electronics and cycling
- Wellbeing support, including mental health resources and Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition and celebration events
Inclusive Recruitment & Data Privacy
We support flexible working and adjustments for applicants with disabilities or specific needs. We guarantee assessment for eligible applicants with certain backgrounds. For data privacy details, please see our privacy notice.
Important Notes
Vacancies may be withdrawn if a suitable internal candidate is identified or if circumstances change.
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Planning Technical Support Officer employer: Oldham Council
Contact Detail:
Oldham Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Technical Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the planning application process and local regulations in Oldham. Understanding the specific requirements and common challenges faced in this area will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've effectively handled inquiries or resolved issues in previous roles. This will show your ability to provide courteous and efficient support, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your teamwork experience by discussing specific projects where collaboration was key to meeting deadlines. This aligns with the role's requirement for a strong team player and will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Oldham Council's values and recent initiatives. Being able to discuss how your personal values align with 'Proud, Ambitious, and Together' will demonstrate your commitment to the council's mission and culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Technical Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Planning Technical Support Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in customer service, teamwork, or planning-related roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have met targets or deadlines in past positions.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication skills, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to handle enquiries effectively, both in writing and verbally. Mention any experience dealing with stakeholders or the public.
Align with Company Values: Familiarise yourself with Oldham Council's core values of 'Proud, Ambitious, and Together'. Reflect these values in your application by discussing how you embody them in your work ethic and approach to collaboration.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oldham Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Planning Technical Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the tasks like validating planning applications and responding to enquiries, as this will help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent communication skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled customer inquiries or worked within a team. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where you contributed to a team's success, as this aligns with the council's value of being 'Together'.
✨Align with Their Values
Research Oldham Council's core values of 'Proud, Ambitious, and Together'. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to discuss this during the interview. Showing that you share their commitment to the community can set you apart.