At a Glance
- Tasks: Help shape the future by processing planning applications and engaging with the community.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to growth and development in the West Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and health support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for professional growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your planning career while making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or related field; customer service skills are a must.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 32597 £ per year.
Salary: £28,598 – £32,597 per annum (Pay award pending)
Permanent - 37 hours per week
Wychavon and Malvern have an ambitious growth strategy and will be building over 20,000 homes and 300 hectares of employment land over the next 15 years. The South Worcestershire Development Plan Review strategy includes the delivery of strategic sites including a new settlement at Worcestershire Parkway for 10,000 homes. Combined with ambitious strategies to regenerate our existing centres such as Evesham and Droitwich, this is your chance to help shape the future of some of the fastest growing Districts in the West Midlands.
As an Assistant Planning Officer, you will develop your own caseload and work within one of the small teams that make up our experienced Development Management service. You will be responsible for the processing of planning and other related applications mostly relating to householder developments. This will include site appraisals, research, negotiations, report writing, occasional presentation at planning committee and appeal work. You will be in regular contact with applicants, agents, members of the public and other users of the service. Great communication skills and an ability to engage with a range of stakeholders is therefore essential along with a commitment to delivering an outstanding service to all our customers. This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring planner to acquire important skills and experience and build the foundation of a career in planning.
About you
The successful candidate must have:
- Strong customer service orientation and a desire to deliver exceptional levels of service at all times.
- Team player with an adaptable and flexible approach.
- Ability to work on own initiative to tight deadlines.
- Ability to negotiate successful outcomes.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
A minimum entry level of experience is required for the Assistant Planning Officer role i.e.:
- A degree (or equivalent) qualification in planning or similar related subject is required.
- And/or experience of working in a planning environment.
Applicants without a suitable qualification will be expected to complete a course of study leading to a professional qualification as a condition of employment. The Councils are keen to support with the development of its employees and therefore will help with training requirements which are needed for the role. This may also include support towards obtaining recognised qualifications relevant to the post. You will be required to undertake site visits so flexibility, a full driving licence and use of a car is essential. You will also need to be able to travel throughout the districts.
What we can offer
Our staff are at the heart of what we do and are key to ensuring we deliver Our Council Plan to make a positive difference to our communities, our economy and our environment. We are always looking to recruit, develop and retain the very best talent we can find. So, as well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:
- Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions
- Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leave
- Committed training programme and development opportunities
- Onsite nursery with 20% staff discount (Pershore office only)
- Discounted Gym and swim membership
- Health and Wellbeing support and a Free Employee Assistance scheme including access to counselling services
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee Discounts with a range of companies including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme.
We are an employer that values face to face communication, collaboration and connection, therefore all our roles have an office-based requirement with some agile working as part of the role.
To discuss the post or for further information, please contact Fran Fleming or Hazel Smith.
Closing date: Sunday 17 May 2026
Interview date: Thursday 21 May 2026
Please note if we experience a high intake of applications, we may close the role and interview for the position sooner than advertised.
Location: Pershore
Assistant Planning Officer in Pershore employer: Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils
Contact Detail:
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Planning Officer in Pershore
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Assistant Planning Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's growth strategy and recent projects. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in shaping the future of Wychavon and Malvern!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be engaging with various stakeholders, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Planning Officer in Pershore
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Assistant Planning Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious growth strategy!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since great communication is key for this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to engage effectively. Whether it's through clear language or structured arguments, let us see your flair for communication!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got experience in planning or related fields, make it shine! We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant background.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key aspects of planning and development management. Familiarise yourself with the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review and the ambitious growth strategies in Wychavon and Malvern. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be engaging with a range of stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated in previous roles, especially in customer service or team settings. This will highlight your ability to deliver exceptional service.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As a team player, it's important to convey your adaptability and flexibility during the interview. Share experiences where you've collaborated effectively with others, especially in high-pressure situations. This will reassure them that you're ready to contribute positively to their small teams.
✨Prepare for Site Visits
Since site visits are part of the job, be ready to discuss your approach to conducting these visits. Think about how you would prepare for a site appraisal and what factors you would consider. Showing that you understand the practical side of the role will set you apart from other candidates.