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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess planning applications and provide valuable pre-application advice to shape sustainable growth.
- Company: Join the Forest of Dean District Council, dedicated to vibrant community development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health cash plan, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while advancing your career in planning.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or equivalent experience, plus three years handling planning applications.
- Other info: Work in a stunning landscape with opportunities for professional growth and mentoring.
About The Role
Forest of Dean District Council is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced Planning Officer to join its Development Management team. This role is ideal for someone with at least three years experience in handling planning applications who is ready to step into a rewarding position with real influence. You will assess a wide range of applications, provide valued pre-application advice, and produce high-quality reports that shape planning decisions and support sustainable growth across the district.
You will be part of a friendly, ambitious team of 12 planners, supported by a wider network of specialists in policy, sustainability, and heritage. With ongoing mentoring from the Principal Planning Officer, this role offers genuine career progression, professional development, and the chance to broaden your experience in a supportive local authority environment. Whether you are looking to advance within Development Management or transition from the private sector, this role provides the support and variety to help you thrive.
Set within one of the UK’s most distinctive landscapes, the Forest of Dean offers an exceptional planning context ranging from historic woodlands and market towns to innovative regeneration and renewable energy projects. You will work on developments that truly matter, including community-led regeneration, major sustainability initiatives, and the creation of a new Local Plan. This is your chance to help shape the future of the district, influencing high-quality development through impactful planning decisions and pre-application advice that supports a sustainable and inclusive place to live and work.
You will need:
- A qualification in planning, equivalent to a degree or relevant experience of three years
- GCSE Maths and English or equivalent to grade C/4 or higher
- Experience of dealing with planning applications either within local government or the private sector.
Special Conditions:
- Full UK Driving Licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes
What can we do for you:
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
- In addition, you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
About The Organisation:
Forest of Dean District Council is dedicated to creating a vibrant and sustainable future for our community. Our priorities are centred on fostering thriving communities by empowering and engaging residents, enhancing infrastructure, promoting community well-being, and ensuring social equity.
We are committed to decarbonisation and nature recovery, focusing on renewable energy transitions, energy efficiency, transport transformation, nature recovery, and food resilience. Additionally, we strive to build a sustainable economy through the promotion of a circular economy, robust business support, workforce skill development, sustainable town initiatives, and the preservation of natural capital.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.
Forest of Dean District Council is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
Planning Officer in Coleford employer: Forest of Dean District Council
Contact Detail:
Forest of Dean District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in Coleford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Forest of Dean District Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent planning projects in the Forest of Dean. Show us that you’re not just passionate about planning but also about the local community and its unique challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to handling planning applications. We want to see how you think on your feet and how you approach problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in Coleford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Planning Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in handling planning applications and any specific projects that align with the Forest of Dean's goals.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your qualifications and skills that match the job description. Mention your degree in planning and any experience you have in local government or the private sector, as this will show us you're a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily see your strengths and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forest of Dean District Council
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your planning knowledge, especially regarding local policies and sustainability initiatives. Familiarise yourself with the Forest of Dean's unique landscape and recent developments in the area, as this will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific planning applications or community-led projects. Think about examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar situations, and be ready to discuss your thought process and decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be part of a friendly team, highlight your collaborative skills. Share examples of how you've worked effectively with others, whether in local government or the private sector, to achieve common goals in planning.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the Development Management team and the types of projects you'll be involved in. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations and values.
