Development Management Planning Assistant - 478590 in Alexandria

Be part of the team driving bold action for climate, nature and people in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. You will be joining the National Park Authority at a pivotal moment as we prepare a new Local Development and Land Use Plan and set priorities to respond to the climate emergency and restore nature. Planning is central to our mission - to restore nature, tackle the climate crisis, and support thriving, resilient communities alongside a strong rural economy.

The Role: We have an exciting opportunity for a Planning Assistant in the Planning (Development Management) team. The successful applicant will be working with a team of experienced planners and support staff. The role will include managing a varied range of planning applications and efficiently delivering high-quality planning recommendations; providing excellent customer care through providing advice to customers on the planning information line and carrying out the validation of planning applications. The post offers an excellent opportunity to develop your career and apply your planning knowledge.

You should ideally have a degree or at least be working towards a degree or equivalent in planning / a related discipline and be working towards MRTPI status. Excellent communications, interpersonal and negotiation skills are all essential, as is a keen eye for detail. You will support the wider Statutory Planning function including contributing to projects, service improvements and innovative delivery of services digitally and online.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to providing a positive and efficient Development Management service through managing your own caseload of householder and detailed planning applications, Listed Building Consents, and any resultant appeals.
• Delivering timeous planning decisions which contribute to wider defined Authority outcomes, including clear reporting of recommendations for Committee or Board decisions.
• Review planning proposals via the pre-application advice service and give accurate advice using the Local Development Plan policy framework and current national planning legislation.
• Carry out the validation of planning applications by checking submitted documentation to determine if applications are valid or invalid; determine which consultees are required, what statutory notifications shall be carried out and what advertisement and site notices are needed, in consultation with planning officers as required.
• Support a customer focussed planning advice and information service, including dealing with the plantel phoneline for general enquiries; and support all monitoring and information systems, including online e-planning services, which provide intelligence on planning and development in the National Park.

Who we are looking for:

• Computer literate with knowledge of record management and online e-planning systems.
• Numerate.
• Excellent written and oral skills.
• Articulate with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Able to demonstrate personal commitment and empathy to the principles of sustainable development and protected area management.
• A degree or equivalent in a planning or related discipline or be working towards such qualification.
• Corporate or Technical membership of RTPI or working towards.
• Current UK Driving Licence.

Ideally, but not essentially, you'll also have:

• Up-to-date knowledge of the Scottish Environmental and planning sector.
• Knowledge and experience of rural planning issues.

We are looking for people who can bring professionalism, insight and commitment to the National Park Authority, which is the full planning authority for the National Park. If you are interested in either role but are unsure how your experience fits, we would still encourage you to apply. We are open to flexibility in how roles are shaped, including responsibilities, grading and remuneration, where this helps us secure the right skills and experience for the organisation.

If you are interested in this role, please complete your application by 13th July 2026 @ 9am. Access our application form on our job portal. Interviews will be virtual, taking place w/c 20th July 2026.

We offer flexible and remote working, with a generous pension scheme and annual leave allowance. Staff have access to wellbeing services and there is a strong focus on wellbeing throughout the organisation. Being part of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority means being passionate about what you do, working hard to inspire and lead the way for others. We care about each other and are accessible and friendly treating each other with respect and understanding, we think about our planet with each decision we make. Together, we are the difference.

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority are proud to celebrate difference. Diversity of experience is vital in our success we want our business to be representative to the communities we work alongside. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively encourage applicants from a wide range of individuals, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, gender identity and expression, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.