At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage planning applications and support community projects that shape local development.
- Company: Join Stockport Council, awarded Local Authority of the Year 2025.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent training, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values fresh ideas and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while developing your planning career.
- Qualifications: Relevant planning qualification and experience with a varied caseload.
The predicted salary is between 39862 - 45091 £ per year.
37 hours, Full-Time, Permanent
Hybrid: Stopford House and homeworking (minimum 2 days in the office each week)
Application Deadline: 11:59pm Tuesday 23rd June 2026
Please be aware that we may close this vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Shortlisting Date: 24th June 2026
Interview Date: Anticipated W/C 13th July 2026
Interview Type: Face to face interview
Join us at Stockport Council, MJ Local Authority of the Year 2025. Shape Places. Influence Futures. Join an Award Winning Planning Team.
Are you ready to take the next step in your planning career? We’re expanding our highly regarded, award-winning planning team within Development Management and are looking for talented planners at all levels to join us. This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-profile projects that genuinely shape communities from major regeneration schemes to innovative housing developments and sustainable place-making initiatives.
You’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team that values collaboration, professional growth, and making a real difference.
Why join us?- Be part of an award-winning planning team within the Local Authority of the Year 2025
- Work on challenging, meaningful projects with real community impact
- Enjoy a positive, inclusive and flexible working culture
- Access excellent training, mentoring and clear career progression pathways
- Join an ambitious, innovative team that is proud of what it delivers
Whether you’re an experienced planner looking to broaden your influence or an emerging professional ready to develop your expertise, we have a range of opportunities to suit your ambition. Help us deliver great places – apply now and be part of something exceptional.
Your RoleAs an Associate Planning Officer, you’ll play a key part in helping us deliver a responsive, high-quality planning service for Stockport. You’ll manage your own caseload of applications, enquiries and appeals, carrying out site visits, preparing clear reports and using your planning judgement to support good development across the borough. You’ll work closely with colleagues, applicants, residents and partners, offering helpful advice and keeping things moving smoothly. You’ll also support the wider team by sharing technical knowledge, helping with validation and contributing to service improvements. It’s a great opportunity to build your experience, take on varied work and make a real difference.
About YouYou’re someone who enjoys planning, problem-solving and working with people. You have a relevant planning qualification and experience handling a varied caseload, and you’re either a member of the RTPI or working towards it. You’re organised, curious and confident interpreting plans, writing clear reports and communicating with a wide range of people. You’re comfortable working independently but also enjoy being part of a supportive team. You can prioritise your workload, stay calm when things get busy and adapt your communication style to suit different audiences. Most importantly, you share our values, putting people first, working together and treating everyone with respect.
About UsStockport is a borough full of energy, ambition and community pride and our planning service is right at the heart of shaping its future. When you join us, you’ll be welcomed into a friendly, supportive team where people look out for each other and enjoy what they do. We value fresh ideas, open conversations and a positive approach to challenges. You’ll work on a wide range of interesting applications, learn from experienced colleagues and have plenty of opportunities to grow your skills and confidence. If you’re looking for a place where you can develop your planning career and feel genuinely valued, we’d love to meet you.
We are proud to be recognised under the Good Employment Charter as an organisation committed to the wellbeing of our colleagues. As members of the charter, we have been recognised as a great place to work for all colleagues and pledge to pay the real living wage, engage staff in key decisions and endorse fair and flexible working conditions.
If you would like to find out more about the role please contact Suzanne Broomhead at Suzanne.broomhead@stockport.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.
This post is politically restricted under the terms of the 1989 Local Government and Housing Act. This dictates that you must seek the council’s permission before taking up any additional appointments or positions.
Stockport Council holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not currently qualify.
We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers and ex-military personnel. As part of the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme you will therefore be guaranteed to be shortlisted for Assessment if you meet both the criteria for the scheme and the essential job role criteria.
Associate Planning Officer in Stockport employer: Stockport Council
Join Stockport Council, an award-winning planning team recognised as the Local Authority of the Year 2025, where you will have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that shape communities. Enjoy a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional growth, offers excellent training, and provides clear career progression pathways. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and flexible working arrangements, Stockport Council is an exceptional place for planners looking to make a meaningful difference in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Planning Officer in Stockport
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Stockport Council and its planning team. Understanding their recent projects and values will help you connect during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to planning and problem-solving. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of an Associate Planning Officer. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for planning shine through. Talk about why you love working in this field and how you can contribute to shaping communities in Stockport. A positive attitude goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Planning Officer in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to familiarise yourself with Stockport Council and our award-winning planning team. Understanding our values and the projects we work on will help you tailor your application to show how you can contribute.
Showcase Your Skills:When writing your application, highlight your relevant planning qualifications and experience. Be sure to mention any specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to manage a varied caseload and communicate effectively with different stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise:We love clear communication! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. This will help us see your strengths quickly.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Get your application in as soon as possible through our website to avoid disappointment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockport Council
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your planning knowledge and relevant legislation. Familiarise yourself with recent projects in Stockport and be ready to discuss how they align with the council's goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Think about specific cases where your planning judgement made a difference. This will demonstrate your ability to manage a varied caseload effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since you'll be working with a range of stakeholders, being able to adapt your communication style is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Highlight your experience working in teams and how you contribute to a positive team environment. Stockport Council values collaboration, so share examples of how you've worked with others to achieve common goals.
