At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver planning services and support sustainable development across Essex.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leader in environmental and planning consultancy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while developing your planning expertise.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in planning; RTPI membership preferred.
The predicted salary is between 44041 - 44041 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time up to £44,041 per annum
Location: Essex
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 4th October 2026
This is a hybrid-working role contractually based in Chelmsford. You will work from the Chelmsford office at least one day per week, and across our operational area on other days, depending on business need.
Place Services is a multi-disciplinary consultancy within Essex County Council (ECC) providing environmental and planning services to the Council, local authorities and other public bodies. Our purpose is to support the public sector to deliver its role in sustainable development.
The purpose of the Planning Consultant is to provide effective delivery of planning services to our clients across Essex and England. The Planning Consultant will advise on planning matters, including:
- Providing development management and strategic policy advice to local authorities
- Evaluation and delivery of planning assessments
- Undertaking SEA/SA
- Preparing local plan evidence base documents
- Undertaking supervised specialist tasks as part of multi-disciplinary projects
The role requires a qualified subject matter expert with graduate level technical knowledge and understanding of planning issues and relevant legislation, policy and standards, and guidance, the ability to communicate to a range of audiences, and an awareness of good client service.
Accountabilities
- Accountable for the effective delivery of a range of planning services including managing a demanding caseload of minor and major development management and consent consultations at all stages of the planning/consent process (pre-application, application and post consent)
- Strategic policy planning, the development, review, preparation and presentation of evidence documents of small to medium scale and complexity for Local Plans
- Assisting with the preparation of planning assessments for standard schemes, and medium scale and complex Sustainability Appraisals and Sustainability Environmental Assessments
- Responsible for co-ordinating and compiling multi-disciplinary responses for specialist planning consultations including district and county level as well as National Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) responses
- Maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external clients and partners to ensure successful business outcomes
- Enhancing the recognition and reputation of Place Services through promotional events and activities
- Responsible for tendering for low-value opportunities; management of low-value projects and contracts, against approved budgets, specifications and indicators
- Contributes to review and development of legislation, plans, policy and standards
- Contributes to implementing changes to improve effectiveness and efficiency of technical service delivery
- Contributes to increasing the skills base across the environmental and planning sectors through development and delivery of straightforward training activities and events
About you
- Educated to RQF level 6 (Bachelor’s degree), or equivalent professional experience
- Evidence of continual professional development including Licentiate Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
- Capable technical and subject matter expert, with knowledge and experience of relevant development management processes, planning policy, legislation and enforcement, standards and guidance
- Able to work confidently and consistently without supervision across a range of activities, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Demonstrable awareness of wellbeing and H&S, experienced producing and implementing standard risk assessments
- Able to communicate appropriately with different audiences
- Ability to establish positive working relationships, with demonstrable awareness of good client service
- Ability to use a range of common software packages, including all Microsoft applications
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role, so applicants must have current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Planning Consultant in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Social Workers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people with disabilities. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, innovative practices, and professional development, our team enjoys a nine-day working fortnight and numerous opportunities for growth within a dynamic local authority. Join us in Chelmsford, where your contributions will be valued, and together we can empower the next generation to thrive.
