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- Tasks: Assess planning applications and provide valuable pre-application advice.
- Company: Join the Forest of Dean District Council, committed to sustainable community development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 27 days annual leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape the future of your community through impactful planning decisions.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or three years relevant experience required.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 29200 £ per year.
Forest of Dean District Council is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced Planning Officer to join its Development Management team. The 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 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
- Extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- 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 with the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy – 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: Schedler Mack Insurance
Contact Detail:
Schedler Mack Insurance 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 us insights into the team culture and what they really value in a Planning Officer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of local planning policies and recent developments in the area. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in how we can contribute to the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to planning applications and decision-making. We can even do mock interviews with friends or colleagues to build confidence and refine our answers.
✨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 we’re serious about joining the Forest of Dean District Council 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 or equivalent experience, and be sure to include your proficiency in producing high-quality reports.
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 see your communication skills right from the start!
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 there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Schedler Mack Insurance
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your planning knowledge, especially related to local government processes and sustainable development. Familiarise yourself with recent planning applications in the Forest of Dean area, as well as any major projects that are currently underway.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience handling planning applications. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've provided pre-application advice or produced reports that influenced planning decisions. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Understand Their Values
Research Forest of Dean District Council's priorities and values, particularly around community engagement and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals, especially in terms of decarbonisation and nature recovery.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or opportunities for professional development. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
