CDS Planner - Basildon Borough Council

CDS Planner - Basildon Borough Council

Basildon Full-Time 30753 - 43568 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Essex County Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Investigate and resolve planning control breaches with a supportive team.
  • Company: Basildon Borough Council, committed to community transformation and high-quality services.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Full UK driving licence needed; mileage allowance provided for site visits.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of local government and making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning, Architecture, Geography, or relevant experience required.

The predicted salary is between 30753 - 43568 £ per year.

Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be advertising the CDS Planner position on behalf of Basildon Borough Council.

Closing Date: 27/08/2026

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

  • Salary: Pay Band 5-7 (£30,753 to £43,568 per annum inclusive of fringe)
  • Contractual hours: 36.25
  • Basis: Full time
  • Package: Permanent

Job description:

  • Job Title: CDS Planner (Planning Enforcement)
  • Band: 5-7
  • Location: Basildon Centre, Hybrid Working (3 days minimum office attendance per week)
  • Contract Type and Hours: Permanent, 36.25hrs

Basildon Borough Council is embarking on an ambitious transformation journey, driven by our Corporate Plan and the belief that every resident deserves to live in a safe, thriving, and high‑quality environment. Our focus remains firmly on strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and delivering high‑quality public services. Basildon Council is currently preparing for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which will change how councils operate across the area in the coming years. While this transition is underway, the Council continues to deliver essential services and remains committed to recruiting talented people who can help shape the future of local government.

About the Role:

We are seeking an exceptional person for a CDS Planner role based within the planning enforcement team and part of the wider planning service. You will be working with friendly and supportive colleagues and will be involved in investigating and resolving breaches of planning control. All development requires planning permission and it is the role of the planning enforcement team to investigate where development has taken place without the necessary permission and take appropriate action to remedy the breach, either through a negotiated solution or by formal enforcement action.

As a planning enforcement officer you will be required to exercise sound judgement, problem solving skills; together with excellent verbal and written communication skills. You will require an undergraduate degree in Town Planning, Architecture, Geography or similar related discipline; or relevant work experience in regulatory control or law enforcement. The post offers progression and development opportunities across the planning service. The pay band and level of training that is undertaken will be dependent on the successful candidate’s experience and education level. The successful candidate must be committed to securing qualifications and to acquire the necessary technical knowledge to undertake the duties of this post. A full UK Driving license and availability of a car to use for site visits is essential. Mileage and essential car users’ allowance is provided.

If you would like to be part of Basildon’s success, we look forward to receiving your application. For an informal discussion please contact Ian Cummings on 01268 206753.

CDS Planner - Basildon Borough Council employer: Essex County Council

Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.

Essex County Council

Contact Details:

Essex County Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land CDS Planner - Basildon Borough Council

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We think you need these skills to ace CDS Planner - Basildon Borough Council

Planning Enforcement
Problem-Solving Skills
Verbal Communication Skills
Written Communication Skills
Judgement
Regulatory Control
Law Enforcement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!

Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Essex County Council!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Essex County Council. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!

Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council

Master the Technical Questions

In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.

Bring Your Portfolio to Life

Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.

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In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.

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