Planning Officer in Wakefield

This is an exciting time to join Wakefield Council’s Planning Services Development Management team. We are seeking a Planning Officer to join our successful team to deal with a range of planning applications within a diverse local authority area. Suitable candidates will need to demonstrate a sound understanding of planning policy and legislation, be able to demonstrate necessary skills and knowledge to work in a challenging and busy environment, and be able to demonstrate excellent organisation and communication skills.

The successful candidate will have responsibility for case‑managing and determining a range of planning applications to deliver timely and high‑quality outcomes; provide constructive pre‑application planning advice; deal with planning appeals; and assist members of the public with general planning queries. We offer a supportive working environment where staff development is prioritised. We are based in a new, city‑centre office and can offer flexible working arrangements, discounted travel, access to Council pool cars.

As a Planning Officer, you will manage a caseload of planning applications and development proposals, ensuring a high‑quality and efficient service. Supporting the delivery of the Development Management Service, you will conduct site inspections and engage in negotiations with applicants, agents, and specialist staff to facilitate the planning process. Under the supervision of the Development Management Team Leaders, you will prepare detailed reports and recommendations for both delegated decisions and referrals to the Planning Committee where required. You will also assist in preparing statements for planning appeals, including those dealt with by written representations.

Additionally, you will:

• Collaborate with monitoring and enforcement staff to ensure developments are monitored.
• Assist in preparing reports and supporting investigations and enforcement actions regarding unauthorised developments.
• Assist with the administrative aspects of the development management process.
• Liaise with external bodies and organisations to co‑ordinate planning efforts and maintain communication channels.

To be considered as a Planning Officer, you will need:

• To be at least working towards full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
• Knowledge of planning issues and relevant planning laws.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• A degree (or equivalent).
• A full, valid driving licence.

A competitive salary. Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave. Hybrid working (subject to role suitability). Access to high‑quality training programmes to advance your career to the next level. We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work‑life balance as well as supportive leadership. Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard). Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax‑efficient way to increase our pension. Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12‑week exercise programme, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle‑to‑work scheme, and many more.