Planning Assistant in County Antrim

Job Description

Planning Assistant - Belfast City Council

Belfast, BT2 8GD | Temporary, 13 weeks | £13.45 PAYE | 37 hours per week

Hatched Recruitment Group is recruiting a Planning Assistant on behalf of Belfast City Council, to join the Planning Service within the Place and Economy Department. This is a temporary role covering a peak in workload, with an anticipated start date of 1st September 2026 and a duration of 13 weeks.

About the role

You’ll provide support to Planning and Place officers across a range of planning-related duties, including:

• Assisting with the processing of planning applications and breaches of planning control




• Helping prepare reports and agreeing recommendations with the Senior Planning Officer




• Responding to planning enquiries from members of the public by phone, email, and in person




• Carrying out site visits across Belfast to research planning histories and gather site information




• Providing cover and advice to business support officers on validation, consultation, and publicity




• Contributing to studies supporting Belfast’s new development plan

Working pattern

3 days in the office, 2 days remote after an initial training period.

What you’ll need

To be studying towards a relevant third-level qualification (e.g. Planning and Property Development) or equivalent

A full driving licence valid in Northern Ireland, with access to a car for official business (or an alternative that meets the travel requirements of the role)

No prior experience required - this role is well suited to those looking to build a career in planning

Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to deal with sensitive or confidential information appropriately

Good IT skills across standard office software

The ability to work well independently and as part of a team

Proof of eligibility to work in the UK

A valid driving licence