Planning Officer Temp Ards and North Down Borough Council

Honeycomb are delighted to be working with Ards and North Down Borough Council to recruit a motivated and enthusiastic Planning Officer (Grade SO1) to join their Planning Service on a temporary basis until July 2027. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning professional to gain broad experience across a diverse and attractive council area, managing a varied caseload and contributing to high-quality place-making.

The Role

• Reporting to a Senior Officer, the successful candidate will support the effective delivery of the Council's planning function.
• Key responsibilities will include:

• Validation and processing of planning applications under the supervision of a Senior Officer.
• Undertaking site visits and participating in site meetings, preparing written reports, and formulating professional planning opinions.
• Assisting with the preparation of material for planning appeals and public inquiries.
• Monitoring planning decisions and investigating suspected unauthorised development, including interviewing parties, taking statements, inspecting, and surveying sites, photographing evidence, preparing reports, serving enforcement notices, and acting as a witness at court and enforcement appeals.
• Assisting with the preparation of development plans, enhancement strategies and regeneration proposals for conservation areas, town centres, and selected settlements.
• Supporting research and the preparation of reports relating to policy formulation and development control.
• Dealing with enquiries from the public by telephone, correspondence and face-to-face.
• Operating IT systems, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Undertaking any other appropriate duties in line with the general nature of the post.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must meet one of the following qualification routes:

• Option 1 - Degree Route: A degree or equivalent in a recognised planning-related discipline, such as Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Architecture or Urban Regeneration, and a minimum of one year's experience working in a planning environment.
• Option 2 - HNC Route: A HNC or equivalent in a recognised planning-related discipline, such as Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Architecture or Urban Regeneration, and a minimum of two years' experience working in a planning environment.

All applicants must also demonstrate:

• Experience in the preparation and presentation of planning application reports relating to development and enforcement planning matters.
• Knowledge of relevant Northern Ireland planning policy and legislation.

Why Join Us?

This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your planning career within a supportive local government environment, working on a wide range of planning, enforcement, regeneration, and policy matters that directly shape communities across Ards and North Down.

If you would like to apply or find out more about this role, please contact Geraldine Stevenson at Honeycomb using the details provided.

If you have a disability and require support at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Please note successful applicants may be required to complete a Basic or Enhanced Access NI check (cost approximately £18+, depending on role requirements). A criminal record will not automatically prevent appointment, and all disclosures will be treated in the strictest confidence. Further details are available via the NiDirect Access NI website.

Honeycomb is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.