Planning Officers (All Levels) in Cambridge

An exciting opportunity is available to join East Cambridgeshire District Council's Planning Services Team on a full-time basis (37 hours per week). We are recruiting at all levels within Strategic Planning and Development Management, including Planning Assistant, Planning Officer, Senior Planning Officer, Major Projects Planning Officer and Planning Team Leader. As a career‑graded post, the starting salary will be dependent on qualifications and experience.

The district offers exposure to a diverse range of projects, from internationally renowned heritage sites to new industrial developments, large residential projects, and retail proposals. East Cambridgeshire is committed to growth, with a positive and proactive approach to development. It is open for business with a strong customer focus.

• Planning Assistant (£31,022 - £34,434 per annum plus benefits) – This is an entry level position to provide a support service for Planning Officers, Senior Planning Officers, Planning Team Leaders, the Planning Enforcement Team and the Planning Manager in all aspects of planning and related planning functions. You will be responsible for processing smaller household planning applications, prior notifications, certificate of lawfulness applications and discharge of conditions in accordance with statutory procedures and established office practices as directed by the Planning Team Leaders. Educated to degree (or equivalent) is desirable.
• Planning Officer (£33,699 - £42,869 per annum plus benefits) – Responsible for processing smaller household planning applications, minor planning applications, prior notifications, certificate of lawfulness applications and discharge of conditions in accordance with statutory procedures and established office practices as directed by the Planning Team Leaders. Education to degree (or equivalent) is essential, with a planning qualification and/or working towards an RTPI membership desirable.
• Senior Planning Officer (£41,771 - £47,181 per annum plus Annual Market Supplement of £4,000, plus benefits) – Responsible for processing planning applications, including major applications, in accordance with statutory procedures and established office practices as directed by the Team Leader and Strategic Planning and Development Control Manager. Educated to Master’s level, or extended work experience/training in relevant areas of work is essential, as well as a planning qualification and membership (or working towards) of RTPI or equivalent.
• Senior Strategic Planning Officer (£41,771 - £47,181 per annum plus benefits) – Responsible for managing and delivering the strategic planning service, covering matters such as development plans (Local Plan), neighbourhood plans, regional planning, supplementary planning, monitoring, and research.
• Planning Team Leader (£52,413 - £59,688 per annum plus benefits) – Lead and direct a team of Planning Officers and oversee the delivery of high‑quality development and the timely throughput of the caseload of those Officers. To work with the Major Projects Planning Officer on the timely delivery of complex applications and to assist the Strategic Planning and Development Control Manager in providing a high quality, effective and efficient service in all aspects of planning and related functions. Educated to Master’s level, as well as a planning qualification and membership of RTPI (external 2 years) or equivalent and 5 years’ experience in a planning environment.
• Major Projects Planning Officer (£52,413 - £59,688 per annum plus benefits) – Lead on the processing and determination of strategic planning applications and work with the Planning Team Leader to mentor Planning Officers in respect to dealing with strategic and other planning applications, and to matrix manage Planning Officers to support the delivery of major projects. You will assist the Planning Manager in providing a high quality, effective and efficient service in all aspects of planning and related functions. Educated to Master’s level, or extended work experience/training in relevant areas of work is essential, as well as a planning qualification and membership (or working towards) of RTPI (external 2 years) or equivalent. You must have a driving license and access to a car for site visits.

Ideal candidates have strong communication skills and are committed team players who can work accurately to deadlines and provide high‑quality service. Please see person specification for detailed requirements for each of the positions.

In return, the Council offers a range of benefits including:

• Flexible working
• Childcare scheme (in approved cases)
• Occupational health programme
• Training and development
• Essential user car allowance
• Holiday, sickness and pension scheme entitlements

For more information, please contact David Morren, Strategic Planning & Development Management Manager, via email david.morren@eastcambs.gov.uk. To apply online please click on the 'apply button'. The Council has a limited number of vacancies and will consider applicants at all levels against service requirements in the round before appointing. Applications will be reviewed on receipt, and interviews arranged at the earliest convenience for shortlisted applicants, therefore early submission is advised. Once the limited vacancies are filled, this listing will close without prior notice. Please note that only candidates shortlisted for interviews will be contacted by the HR Department. If you have not been contacted by 31st March 2026, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion. The Council is an equal opportunities employer.