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- Tasks: Manage planning applications and provide advice on exciting development projects.
- Company: Chichester District Council, a vibrant place to live and work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on your community while enjoying a beautiful environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or recent graduates with strong communication skills welcome.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth and work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 29000 £ per year.
£32,061 - £38,220 pro rata plus £2,500 per annum pro rata premia payment and £1,239 per annum essential user car allowance.
As a result of internal promotion, we have an exciting opportunity. Chichester District is a highly attractive place to live and work, home to a number of historic towns and villages, surrounded by beautiful countryside and coastal environments. Centred on the historic cathedral city of Chichester, it is a large district stretching from the south coast to the Surrey border and includes a large part of the South Downs National Park and the tranquil Chichester Harbour AONB.
We are a busy planning service dealing with a varied range of development management work. This includes providing planning advice; dealing with planning applications and appeals; and planning enforcement. We have three area application teams, including a team that deals specifically with sites within the South Downs National Park (SDNP); a separate enforcement team; and a central administration team. All application teams deal with a range of major and minor developments. The District is currently facing significant pressure for new development and given the need to protect the quality of the environment and the constraints of the District, this makes for an interesting and varied caseload covering urban and rural areas.
We are looking to appoint a capable part time Planning Officer able to deal effectively with a caseload of planning applications, associated pre-application enquiries and appeals. While ideally the post holder will have experience of handling a broad range of development proposals and be able to demonstrate a track record of negotiating improvements to planning applications and securing high quality design, applications from recent graduates will also be considered. The post holder should be positive, a good team player, well organised, have excellent communication skills, and be able to evidence an ability to deliver a rapid turnaround of applications whilst maintaining a high professional standard and a high level of customer care.
So, if you enjoy working with people; have a passion for finding solutions; and want to make a positive difference to people’s lives and our beautiful district, then please get in touch.
For an informal discussion about these positions, please contact: Fjola Stevens (Divisional Manager); Jeremy Bushell (Development Manager).
Interviews to be held w/c 2nd March 2026.
Responsibilities- Deal with a caseload of planning applications, associated pre-application enquiries and appeals.
- Provide planning advice and handle a range of major and minor developments.
- Negotiate improvements to planning applications and secure high quality design where possible.
- Collaborate within three area application teams and with enforcement and administration teams.
- Deliver rapid turnaround of applications while maintaining professional standards and high levels of customer care.
- Experience of handling a broad range of development proposals and negotiating improvements to planning applications; track record of delivering high quality design.
- Applications from recent graduates will be considered.
- Positive, good team player, well organised, with excellent communication skills and the ability to deliver fast responses.
- Excellent defined benefits Pension Scheme.
- Minimum 26 days holiday going up to 31 days after 5 years (or before with previous service) plus paid Bank Holidays.
- Flexi-time (available for most positions) - potential to build up an extra 12 days leave a year.
- Flexible working arrangements including working from home and 9-day fortnight options.
- Employee Assistance Programme for staff and their relatives.
- Cycle to Work Scheme/Car and Cycle Loan Scheme/discounted city centre parking/ Lease Car Scheme.
- Health & Wellbeing initiatives including free health checks and free eye tests plus subsidised leisure centre membership.
- Payment of your main professional subscription fee.
- Training and development opportunities – including funding of professional qualification training.
- Staff Awards Scheme.
Chichester District Council has a commitment to Equality of Opportunity in Employment. If you have a disability which makes it difficult for you to complete our application form please contact the HR Section who will assist you.
Closing date: 23rd February 2026. To apply please click on the apply button.
Planning Officer (Part Time) in England employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Contact Detail:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer (Part Time) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the council's recent projects and challenges in the area. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to their goals will definitely set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your previous work or case studies that highlight your ability to handle planning applications and negotiate improvements. Visuals can make a lasting impression!
✨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 you’re serious about joining the team at Chichester District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer (Part Time) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for planning shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a positive difference in our beautiful district.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who can handle a varied caseload, so show us how you fit the bill!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-organised applications that demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning applications and the specific challenges faced in Chichester District. Familiarise yourself with local policies, recent developments, and the unique aspects of the South Downs National Park. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Planning Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information in the past. Think about times when you’ve negotiated improvements or provided clear advice – these stories will highlight your skills.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration across different teams, so be ready to discuss your experience working in teams. Share specific examples where you contributed positively to a group project or helped resolve conflicts. This will illustrate that you’re a team player who can thrive in a busy environment.
✨Prepare for Rapid Responses
The job demands a quick turnaround on applications, so think about how you manage your time and prioritise tasks. Be prepared to discuss your organisational skills and any tools or methods you use to stay efficient. Showing that you can handle pressure while maintaining high standards will set you apart.
