Planning Officer in Bournemouth

Starting salary £39,152 (pro rata for part‑time). This role sits within a defined pay band with clear progression. Hybrid working is flexible and tailored; remote work will be considered.

As a Planner Officer you will support the planning department in delivering high‑quality decisions, engaging with the community and ensuring compliance with national and local policy.

• Appraise and make recommendations on a wide range of planning applications, including major developments and complex or controversial cases, against Local and National Planning Policy, regulations and legislative frameworks.
• Conduct public consultations in line with statutory requirements and Council policy, ensuring all affected parties receive an appropriate opportunity to comment.
• Provide advice and support to junior staff to ensure effective service delivery to required standard.
• Offer planning advice through the pre‑application process to customers and interested parties to align future applications with policy.
• Represent the Council and act as case officer in planning appeals, defending Council decisions.
• Negotiate with external agencies and applicants to secure environmental betterment and housing quotas in planning applications.
• Support and mentor junior colleagues.

• Degree level education.
• Willingness to work towards membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
• Experience in the development industry with cases of varying complexity, or transferable skills.
• Knowledge of planning legislation: Town and Country Planning Act, National Policy Framework, and Planning Practice Guidance.
• Understanding of the Development Management process.
• Ability to translate complex information, give professional advice and present to stakeholders in a clear manner.
• Strong project management skills.

• Hybrid working arrangements (remote under consideration).
• Modern office hub location in Bournemouth town centre.
• Excellent pension scheme.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Family support services.
• Wellbeing, employee support and counselling services.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment for career development.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship; applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Applicants will be required to undertake a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

BCP Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to a fully inclusive recruitment process. All candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of background, and reasonable adjustments are available.