Planning Officer - Policy

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Career Grade I–L | Permanent | 37 hours

Salary£33,119 - £45,529

Help shape the future of a diverse and ambitious borough.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is seeking a talented and motivated Planning Officer to join its Planning Policy team.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering the Council’s strategic ambitions; supporting sustainable growth, regeneration and place-making across a borough that offers a distinctive mix of urban, rural and coastal environments.

The Role

You will contribute to a broad range of planning policy work, including:

• Preparation, monitoring and review of the Local Plan and supporting evidence base
• Development of planning policy to support economic growth and regeneration
• Providing professional advice to colleagues, elected members and stakeholders
• Supporting consultation, engagement and examination processes.

This is a career grade post (I–L), offering progression aligned to your qualifications, experience and professional development.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a relevant planning qualification (or is working towards one)
• Demonstrates knowledge of the planning system and policy framework
• Can analyse complex information and produce clear, high-quality reports
• Works effectively both independently and collaboratively
• Is committed to shaping high-quality, sustainable places
• RTPI accreditation (or working towards it) is welcomed.

Why Stockton-on-Tees?

Stockton-on-Tees offers planners the opportunity to work on meaningful, place-based challenges within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority.

You will join a service that values professionalism, collaboration and innovation, where staff are trusted, supported and empowered to make a difference.

Working Here

We recognise the importance of flexibility, wellbeing and professional growth. Our offer includes:

• Flexible and hybrid working options, supporting work-life balance
• Generous annual leave of27 days (rising to 32 after 5 years service) plus bank holidays
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
• A comprehensive wellbeing offer, including confidential support services and online GP access.

Please note that we’re unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role, so candidates will need to have an existing right to work in the UK.

Important Applicant Guidance

Accuracy and Use of AI Tools:

You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.

Application Updates and Communication:

All updates regarding your application, including interview invitations, will be sent from ’DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK’ to the email linked to your North East Jobs account, and will also appear in the ’My Messages’ section of your account.

Right to Work:

All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s statutory employment checks. Employment cannot commence or continue unless this has been verified.

Council Principles:

The Council’s recruitment principles require fairness, transparency, and a commitment to attracting and developing local talent.

Limitations:

Where an individual cannot demonstrate a valid right to work in the UK, the Council will be unable to progress or continue the appointment. This includes cases where an existing employee’s visa is due to expire and sponsorship is not granted.