Planning Assistant

Planning Assistant

Loughborough Entry level 28800 - 42000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in delivering an efficient planning service by managing a varied caseload of applications.
  • Company: Join Charnwood Council, a dynamic organisation dedicated to community support and environmental care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, professional development opportunities, and free parking.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in local communities while gaining valuable experience in planning.
  • Qualifications: Ideal for those with planning experience or relevant qualifications; strong communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Opportunities for apprenticeships and part-time study in Planning available.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.

We are a customer-focused, ambitious, and dynamic organisation, which is committed to supporting communities, looking after the environment, and creating a thriving economy.

Working in a team of development management specialists, you will help deliver an effective and efficient planning service through the determination of a varied caseload of planning applications. The role will provide you with experience of working with a variety of teams across Council departments and with elected representatives as well as external partners and stakeholders. We\’re looking for committed individuals who share our passion to make a difference to local communities here in Charnwood, Leicestershire.

The role involves handling a variety of planning applications, mainly made up of householder proposals and associated application types, including listed building consents, prior approvals, non-material amendments and discharge of conditions.

This role would suit someone who is looking to start a career, or who has had similar experience, in planning, or someone who enjoys dealing with a variety of smaller scale planning applications. The role is varied and will be suitable for someone who is able to meet deadlines and write good quality reports whilst ensuring a high level of accuracy. There may be the opportunity to support someone who is looking to study an Apprenticeship in Planning or complete a part-time Masters in Planning.

We are seeking to appoint someone who is dynamic, motivated, and highly organised to handle a busy caseload of planning applications and be able to meet Government set targets for their determination.

You will ideally have recent experience in a development management setting with experience of handling a varied caseload or have a relevant qualification in planning or a similar subject. You will need to be a team player and be an excellent communicator with good negotiating skills. In addition, you will need to be proactive and solution-focused and able to understand and interpret plans and policies with willingness to contribute to the delivery of excellent customer service.

It is an essential requirement of the role that you have the means to be able to carry out site visits across the whole of the Borough of Charnwood

In return you will be supported by regular one to ones with a Team Leader, have access to Continuous Professional Development and work with a fantastic, friendly, team of Planners with all levels of experience.

Please ensure that your application clearly sets out how you meet all of the essential criteria and, where applicable, the desirable criteria. If you do not do this, you may not be selected for an interview.

The benefits of working with us:

• Agile working for many roles – we support home working with some office attendance required.

• Generous annual leave of between (35.5 and 40.5 days) of leave (depending on length of service), inclusive of bank holidays

• Most services are closed over Christmas

• Opportunities for professional development linked to many roles

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme

• Free parking

We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant\’s Employer Recognition Gold Award.

We prioritise the well-being and engagement of our employees through internal groups such as the Staff Forum, Health and Wellbeing Group and Equality Working Group.

Find out more about this role and who we are by visiting www.charnwood.gov.uk/jobs

About the Council

Charnwood is one of the largest shire district councils in the country based on population, serving around 183,000 people.

We offer a range of services, with everything from refuse and recycling collections to the operation of a theatre and historic markets.

Our services are built on our values: Pride in Charnwood; Customer Focused and Working Together

We are proud of our borough, and it is a great place to live, work, visit and invest in. Charnwood boasts breath-taking landscapes which are great to explore.

At the heart of Charnwood is Loughborough, home to a world class university, historic markets, and the only major bell foundry in the UK. It is a diverse community thanks to its student population and cultures from around the world.

Charnwood is located in the centre of the country with rail, road and air links to the rest of the nation and the world beyond. Our investment brand in Charnwood describes the borough as being at the centre of innovation.

Our economy is increasingly diversifying, leveraging the incredible research that flows from the world class Loughborough University and our science and technology related industries. Charnwood also has a wide ranging-portfolio of physical, cultural and social assets, with many of the levers of sustainable and inclusive growth at our disposal.

There are a range of exciting developments and regeneration opportunities which will help create high-quality jobs and ensure continued economic prosperity.

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Planning Assistant employer: Charnwood Borough Council

Charnwood Borough Council is an excellent employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional development, offering generous annual leave, agile working options, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. With a dynamic and supportive work culture, employees are encouraged to grow through regular one-to-ones and opportunities for further education, all while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance local communities in the beautiful borough of Charnwood.
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Contact Detail:

Charnwood Borough Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the local planning policies and regulations in Charnwood. Understanding the specific guidelines will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the planning field, especially those who have experience in development management. Attend local planning meetings or workshops to gain insights and make connections that could benefit your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your organisational skills and ability to manage a busy caseload. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully met deadlines and maintained accuracy under pressure.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your communication and negotiation skills by preparing for potential scenario-based questions. Be ready to explain how you would handle various planning applications and interact with stakeholders effectively.

We think you need these skills to ace Planning Assistant

Understanding of Planning Regulations
Report Writing Skills
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Team Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills
Customer Service Orientation
Ability to Interpret Plans and Policies
Proactive Approach
Organisational Skills
Experience with Development Management
Site Visit Capability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in planning or similar fields, especially your ability to handle a varied caseload.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Planning Assistant role. Emphasise your organisational skills, attention to detail, and any previous experience in development management.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that clearly outlines how you meet the essential and desirable criteria mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples to demonstrate your communication and negotiation skills.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Charnwood Borough Council

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Planning Assistant. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the requirements, especially in handling planning applications and working with various teams.

✨Show Your Passion for Community

Since the organisation is focused on supporting communities, be ready to express your enthusiasm for making a difference in local areas. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have that demonstrate your commitment to community service and environmental care.

✨Demonstrate Communication Skills

As an excellent communicator is essential for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles. This could include negotiating with stakeholders or presenting reports. Highlight your ability to convey complex information clearly.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle deadlines. Think of specific scenarios where you successfully managed a busy workload or resolved conflicts, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.

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