Planning Officer

Wirral Council is a values‑driven organisation where employees are empowered to “#BeTheDifference” and help create fairer opportunities for residents. Set in one of the happiest and most scenic areas in the UK, the Council offers an inspiring place to live and work, with a strong commitment to supporting staff and delivering ambitious plans for the borough’s future. Joining Wirral Council means becoming part of a dedicated, forward‑thinking team that is truly valued and encouraged to thrive.

As a Planning Officer you will determine a broad range of planning applications as well as dealing with pre-application and post application matters. You will understand how to assess the planning merits of each application and apply planning policy and guidance to the proposed form of development. There will be opportunity to work alongside Senior Planning Officers dealing with major planning applications and to get involved with our Regeneration schemes.

About the Role:

• You will assist in the undertaking of all aspects of processing planning applications and dealing with pre-application enquiries, in accordance with set performance targets and with appropriate supervision.
• Acting as case officer for planning applications, carrying out the functions required by the post holder to process such applications in an effective and timely manner, including validation, consultation, evaluation, and recommendation preparation of reports for Planning Committee and on delegated items.
• The role undertakes site inspections to liaise with other sections and departments of the Council and outside bodies/organisations as appropriate.
• Provide advice, information and assistance to Ward Councillors and the public on planning applications and related matters.
• Support to prepare written evidence for appeals, including informal hearings when appropriate.
• Responsible for managing and responding to pre-application enquiries and correspondence in accordance with the Department's policy.
• May be required to attend meetings both internal and external.
• Requires effective working knowledge on current interpretation and implementation of national, regional, and local planning laws and regulations.
• The postholder will also need to be able to travel around the borough to conduct site visits as your knowledge and experience develops.

About the candidate:

We are looking for someone who is hard working and keen to gain knowledge and experience in working in a Development Management team within Local Government. You will demonstrate an understanding of the planning system and the role you must play.

If you wish to discuss this role or require further information, please contact Alexandra McDougall, Development Management Team Leader, at email alexandramcdougall@wirral.gov.uk.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. For this vacancy, candidates must have an existing right to work in the UK before commencing employment. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not available for this post. Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process.

If you’re already a Wirral Council employee, and as part of our Talent Strategy, we’re committed to strengthening opportunities for our people to learn, grow, progress and thrive.

Working at Wirral: You’ll also want to know what it’s like to work here so, as a start: Our values are more than just pieces of paper on our walls! We’ve all played a role in developing these, so they reflect the immense pride we have in what we do, what matters to us, what inspires us and inform how we think, approach things and behave. We believe in ensuring staff are well looked after, staff wellbeing is a priority for us. We’re serious about recognising and rewarding people for the great things they do.

You’ll benefit from our track record of developing, growing and investing in our people. We have a range of staff benefits including staff discounts, enrolment into the local government pension scheme (an excellent defined benefit scheme), immediate life cover and ill-health protection. We have a strong flexible working approach, hybrid working, family-friendly employment initiatives and an annual leave package starting with 28 days leave plus public holidays.

We have an inclusive, engaged culture, everyone has a voice, everyone is valued for their contribution and understands the role they play in delivering our strategic priorities. Each voice is heard, each contribution valued. We embrace diversity in our workforce and recognise it is critical to our success. We support an inclusive culture that champions differences and nurtures a sense of belonging. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds, who share our values and our commitment to inclusion to apply for roles with us.

If you’d like us to do anything differently during the recruitment process to make it barrier-free and as accessible as possible please contact recruitment@wirral.gov.uk.

Please note that in accordance with the Council’s policy, employees who are in a formal redeployment situation will be considered in the first instance for all vacancies. It is Council policy not to re-appoint any employee who has left under the terms of the Council's Early Voluntary Retirement (EVR) scheme or who have left with a voluntary severance (VS) package, unless in exceptional circumstances.

Applications will be accepted until midnight on the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. Applications can only be accepted through the Jobs page following registration. Forms received via the post will not be processed. All applicants invited to interview must evidence their right to work in the UK. Details of required documents can be found by clicking the link at the bottom of the Jobs page. The job description and other supporting documents will not be accessible once the vacancy closing date has passed so if a copy is required you should download it now. We do not accept applications or CV’s from recruitment agencies, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, any candidates submitted via a recruitment agency will not be considered for this role.

How to apply: Please apply online by clicking the link below.