At a Glance
- Tasks: Support planning applications, prepare evidence, and produce reports in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Bury Council's award-winning Development Management Planning Team.
- Benefits: Agile working, career progression, and commitment to equality and diversity.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your planning career while making a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Interest in planning, experience with Microsoft IT, and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Overview: The post is a career graded post within the Development Management Planning Team. We are seeking a Planning Technical Support Officer. The post is career graded (from Grade 4 to 8) depending on experience. The team is responsible for the receipt, validation and issuing decisions relating to planning applications and provides key support to Planning Officers, Enforcement Officers and the Head of Service in delivering the objectives of the adopted Development Plan and LETs Strategy. The team aims to ensure development supports the Borough's economic, environmental and social development and makes Bury a great place to live, learn, enterprise and grow. The team is busy and has been recognised nationally and regionally as an award-winning Team by the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Normal hours of work are 37 per week, with a usual business week. Depending on service requirements, you may be required to work on a rota basis.
Responsibilities:
- Register new applications, investigate site histories, prepare evidence for case officers, and produce one-off plans and documents for case assessment.
- Produce statistical reports relating to cases, maintain case files, and carry out duties to support the team in processing planning applications, appeals and working with customers and professionals.
- Support Planning Officers by inputting information on planning databases and where it becomes web-published; generate communications to the public, Councillors and businesses.
- Read and understand plans where possible, and contribute to the development process.
- Work with accuracy, dedication and strong teamwork to meet deadlines and maintain professional standards.
About you / Qualifications:
- Interested in starting a career in planning with opportunities for progression through graded work streams to become an experienced Planning Technical Support Officer.
- Experience with Microsoft IT packages, back-office systems and GIS is used in this role.
- Ability to stay abreast of changes in relevant legislation, policy and procedure related to planning work.
- Support planning officers by reading, inputting and managing information on planning databases and communicating with the public and professionals.
- Reading and understanding plans is advantageous; a genuine interest in the development process is desirable.
- Essential qualities include accuracy, dedication and good teamwork; ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Working environment and expectations:
We work in a fast-paced environment; the service values professionalism and collaboration to deliver high-quality planning outcomes.
About Bury:
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Appointment may be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Safer recruitment procedures apply, and please ensure your application/CV covers full employment history with any gaps explained. Successful candidates will be asked to provide relevant references for the past ten years; character references will not be accepted. We are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.
As a Corporate Parent, ensure that the work and services you deliver consider our care-experienced young people, promotes their life chances, empowers them to influence policies and decisions, champions their rights and supports their growth.
Benefits of working for Bury Council:
For details of benefits, please visit the council’s page. We support employees to work with agility where appropriate for the post and service requirements. We are committed to equality, valuing diverse skills, abilities and experiences. We guarantee an interview for disabled people, looked-after children/care leavers, armed forces personnel (including reservists and veterans) and carers of adults or disabled children if they meet the essential criteria.
Next steps:
For an informal chat regarding the role please contact: Head of Service – David Marno on 0161 253 5291 or Team Leader – Helen Leach on 0161 253 5322. Interviews will be held in March 2026. Date to be confirmed.
Technical Support Officer in Bury St Edmunds employer: Bury Council
Bury Council is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and professional work culture, providing meaningful opportunities for career progression within the Development Management Planning Team. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that values diversity and promotes agility in work practices, alongside a commitment to safeguarding and empowering the community. With a focus on high-quality planning outcomes, Bury Council offers a rewarding experience for those looking to make a positive impact in their local area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Support Officer in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the planning sector, especially those at Bury Council. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of planning processes and legislation. We want to show that we’re not just interested but genuinely passionate about making Bury a better place!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a mate. This will help us articulate our thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s our turn to shine in front of the panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the team at Bury Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Support Officer in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Planning Technical Support Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our award-winning team!
Show Your Passion for Planning:Let us know why you're interested in planning and how you stay updated on relevant legislation and policies. A genuine interest in the development process will definitely catch our eye!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences without any fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bury Council
✨Know Your Planning Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of planning processes and legislation. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Planning Technical Support Officer, as well as the objectives of the Development Plan and LETs Strategy. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Tech Skills
Since experience with Microsoft IT packages and GIS is essential, be prepared to discuss your proficiency with these tools. Bring examples of how you've used technology in previous roles or projects, especially if they relate to data management or case processing. This will demonstrate your readiness to support Planning Officers effectively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
The role requires strong teamwork and communication skills. Think of specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with others or communicated complex information clearly. Be ready to share these examples during the interview to highlight your ability to work under pressure and maintain professional standards.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, challenges they face, or opportunities for progression within the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.
