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- Tasks: Manage planning applications and conduct site inspections in a diverse environment.
- Company: Stroud District Council oversees a stunning area rich in history and natural beauty.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent pension schemes, and a focus on employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making impactful decisions in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town and Country Planning or related field; experience with Microsoft Office required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 31950 - 42600 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job reference: REQ0131
Date posted: 27/01/2025
Apply by: 23/02/2025
Location: Ebley Mill - Stroud
Salary: £37,938 per annum
Package: Excellent pension scheme, Flexi Working Scheme, Hybrid working approach, Employee Wellbeing Offer.
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Permanent
Job category/type: Planning Strategy
Stroud District Council covers an area of 175 square miles and has an exceptionally diverse physical, historic and natural environment. Over 50% of the district is designated a National Landscape. It contains over 3000 listed building entries, 41 conservation areas, and internationally and nationally important wildlife sites.
Acting as Local Planning Authority, the council deals with around 2,600 planning applications per year. Our statutory development management function is split into three teams: a major and commercial team, and two area planning teams. This role would be based in one of the area planning teams. The area planning teams determine all non-major planning (and related) applications within their geographical area.
As Planning Officer, you would manage your own caseload of planning applications, pre-application enquiries, planning appeals, and other related activities. Working in a diverse environment, you will have a varied caseload covering both rural areas and our market towns and villages, making recommendations to ensure development meets the requirements of our Local Plan.
A portion of your working time would be spent on site, meeting customers and undertaking site inspections. On occasion, you may also have to attend planning committee.
You will liaise with colleagues within the service – such as our specialist arboricultural, biodiversity, enforcement, and heritage officers – to ensure we make reliable, high-quality decisions in line with local and national planning policy and guidance. You will provide support to our technical, business support, and customer services teams and help nurture junior staff in their professional development.
You will be a highly motivated planning professional, able to effectively manage your time and caseload to meet both performance and quality targets. You will demonstrate strong customer service skills and put the customer at the heart of what you do. You will have an inquisitive approach and be apt at researching alternatives and finding solutions. Attention to detail is critical. You will be a skilled communicator – both in writing and verbally – able to simply articulate your analysis of issues and make clear and balanced recommendations.
You must have a degree in Town and Country Planning (or a related subject) and be eligible for and working towards membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute. You will need experience of working in an office environment and Microsoft Office programs. You’ll need to demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation and policy guidance.
It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. In line with the Council's duty to protect children and adults in a vulnerable situation from harm, we are obliged to assess the suitability of individuals for certain posts by undertaking DBS Checks.
Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It’s green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, rural and urban, and unapologetically ambitious.
Planning Officer employer: Stroud District Local Strategic Partnership
Contact Detail:
Stroud District Local Strategic Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local planning policies and legislation relevant to Stroud District. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities in the area will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Stroud District Council, especially those in planning roles. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing a caseload and how you prioritise tasks. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your customer service skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by practising how you would explain complex planning issues to non-experts. This is crucial as the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, including the public.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Planning Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in planning or related fields. Mention specific projects or tasks that demonstrate your ability to manage a caseload, conduct site inspections, and liaise with various stakeholders.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication is crucial for this role, provide examples of how you have effectively communicated complex information in writing and verbally. This could include reports, presentations, or interactions with clients and colleagues.
Demonstrate Attention to Detail: Planning requires meticulous attention to detail. Include examples in your application that showcase your ability to analyse information accurately and make balanced recommendations based on your findings.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stroud District Local Strategic Partnership
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you're up to date with the latest planning legislation and policy guidance. Being able to discuss recent changes or relevant case studies will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since the role emphasises strong customer service, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships or resolved issues in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to put customers at the heart of your work.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Planning Officer, you'll need to articulate complex information clearly. Practice explaining planning concepts in simple terms, as well as preparing for potential questions about your recommendations during the interview.
✨Prepare for Site Inspections
Since part of the job involves site inspections, think about how you would approach these visits. Be ready to discuss how you would assess a site and what factors you would consider when making recommendations.
