Assistant Planning Officer

Assistant Planning Officer

Entry level 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support planning functions and process applications in a high-growth area.
  • Company: North Northamptonshire Council, committed to transforming local government services.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in planning with opportunities for professional development.
  • Qualifications: A Level or NVQ3 standard, with basic understanding of the English Planning System.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team and contribute to meaningful community development.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

About The Role

North Northamptonshire Council is a product of local government reorganisation which took place across Northamptonshire in 2021. We have brought together the four former district and borough and county Local Planning Authority planning functions and are working through a transformation programme to create a single high-performing planning service for North Northamptonshire. North Northamptonshire is a high-growth area offering an exciting opportunity for professional development. We are working on preparing a new Local Plan to provide a spatial vision for the whole area. This is a role that is crucial to ensuring that quality development we have planned for and consented is realised in a way that safeguards confidence in the planning process, and best protects the wider public interest.

What will you be doing?

In this role you will play a vital part in supporting the effective delivery of North Northamptonshire’s planning functions. You will ensure the timely registration, validation and processing of planning applications and deal with a caseload of smaller scale planning applications. You will be joining us at an exciting time as we implement our new team structure, come together in new headquarter offices, and roll‑out new planning software and ways of working. You will then be part of our continuing transformation and improvement journey, influencing the service. This role could be your first step towards becoming a town planner, as the role may provide the opportunity to work towards a degree or equivalent leading to membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

About You

You will be educated to A Level or NVQ3 standard (or equivalent) or have equivalent experience to demonstrate the same level of numeracy and literacy skills. We are seeking candidates with a basic understanding of the English Planning System. You will be able to deliver excellent customer care under pressure. You will be able to undertake site visits, and attend meetings as required.

Our Benefits

Here at North Northamptonshire Council, we’re transforming for the better, using all our creativity and imagination to create the best life for our local people. You’ll find that we have a wide range of careers that may be more surprising than you think!

  • a competitive salary
  • a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
  • lots of opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
  • generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
  • hybrid and flexible working arrangements, where practicable for service needs to help you with a healthy work-life balance.

We provide a range of great benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme, an Employee Benefits Scheme, wellbeing support, travel rates at HMRC rates, as well as supporting a range of active Employee Network Groups.

About Us

Our Values and Behaviours Our Values Define Who We Are And How We Operate, By Forming The Foundation For How We Interact With Our Customers, Colleagues And Provide Our Services. They Are Also At The Forefront Of Our Decision Making And Delivery And Are:

  • Customer-focused
  • Respectful
  • Efficient
  • Supportive
  • Trustworthy

Disability Confident Employer

We are proud to be a recognised Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. Our Employment and Disability Service provides bespoke support to individuals facing barriers to employment, helping them work towards their goals to start, stay and succeed in employment.

For further information please click here The Employment and Disability Service (EADS) | North Northamptonshire Council.

Further information can be found at Jobs and careers | North Northamptonshire Council (northnorthants.gov.uk).

Armed Forces Community

The council obtained the Gold status award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

Assistant Planning Officer employer: North Northamptonshire Council

North Northamptonshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can contribute to the transformation of local planning services in a high-growth area. With a competitive salary, generous leave entitlement, and numerous opportunities for professional development, including pathways to becoming a town planner, we prioritise employee well-being and work-life balance through flexible working arrangements and comprehensive support programmes. Join us in making a meaningful impact on our community while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
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Contact Detail:

North Northamptonshire Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Planning Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research North Northamptonshire Council and their recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their transformation journey.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local planning events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your skills align with the role of Assistant Planning Officer. Practice articulating your understanding of the English Planning System and how you can contribute to the council's goals.

✨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 the team at North Northamptonshire Council.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Planning Officer

Understanding of the English Planning System
Customer Care Skills
Numeracy Skills
Literacy Skills
Site Visit Coordination
Meeting Attendance
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Team Collaboration
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Planning: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for planning! Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in the field. This will help us understand why you want to join our team at North Northamptonshire Council.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Assistant Planning Officer. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you’re a perfect fit for our exciting transformation journey.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications and how you can contribute to our planning functions.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with North Northamptonshire Council.

How to prepare for a job interview at North Northamptonshire Council

✨Know Your Planning Basics

Brush up on your understanding of the English Planning System. Familiarise yourself with key concepts and recent changes in local planning policies, especially those relevant to North Northamptonshire. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute.

✨Showcase Customer Care Skills

Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver excellent customer care, even under pressure. Think about situations where you’ve successfully handled difficult interactions or provided support, as this role requires strong communication skills.

✨Be Ready for Site Visits

Since site visits are part of the job, be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have in this area. If you haven’t done site visits before, think about how you would approach them and what you would look for during these assessments.

✨Embrace the Transformation Journey

Express your excitement about joining a team that is undergoing transformation. Share your thoughts on how you can contribute to the new planning software and ways of working, and be ready to discuss how you adapt to change and improve processes.

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