At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future by managing planning applications and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
- Company: Join Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils, committed to ambitious growth and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, excellent pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive team environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in fast-growing districts while advancing your planning career.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning applications and a recognised qualification in town planning required.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 40777 £ per year.
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils are looking to appoint three Planning Officers. These roles offer the opportunity to work on a varied caseload of planning applications, including site appraisals, negotiations, report writing, committee presentations, and appeal work, within a supportive and ambitious service that values professional development and progression.
You will be in regular contact with applicants, agents, members of the public, and elected members. Great communication skills and an ability to engage with a range of stakeholders is essential along with a commitment to delivering an outstanding service to all our customers.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced planning professional to develop your career and broaden your experience within an award-winning, supportive, and ambitious shared planning service.
About You- Experience of dealing with minor and other category planning applications as well as householder applications
- Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of planning law and practice
- A recognised qualification in town planning or substantial experience gained within the Town Planning field
- Full Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) membership, or willingness to work towards full membership, and be able to demonstrate a commitment to continual professional development (CPD)
- Good computer literacy
- The ability to manage a caseload of applications
- Excellent presentation and communication skills
You will be required to attend regular Planning Committee meetings and undertake site visits, so flexibility, a full driving licence, and use of a car is essential. You will also need to be able to travel throughout the districts.
Base LocationThe roles will be based at either the Council House, Malvern, or the Civic Centre, Pershore. If you have a preference in your base location, please detail this in your application to be considered. Please note, whilst we will try our best to accommodate this, it will be decided upon service requirement.
What We Can OfferOur staff are at the heart of what we do and are key to ensuring we deliver Our Council Plan to make a positive difference to our communities, our economy, and our environment. We are always looking to recruit, develop, and retain a team of dedicated professionals. We offer a range of attractive benefits:
- Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions
- Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leave
- Committed training programme and development opportunities
- Onsite nursery with 20% staff discount (Pershore office)
- Discounted gym and swim membership
- Health and wellbeing support and a free employee assistance scheme including access to counselling services
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discounts with a range of companies including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme
We are an employer that values face-to-face communication, collaboration, and connection; therefore, all our roles have an office-based requirement with some agile working as part of the role.
Malvern Hills District Council does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
Closing date: Sunday 14 June 2026
Interview date: Friday 26 June 2026 (interviews to be held at the Civic Centre, Pershore, WR10 1PT)
Please note if we experience a high intake of applications, we may close the role and interview for the position sooner than advertised.
Planning Officer employer: WMJobs
Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils are committed to fostering a supportive and ambitious work environment, making them an excellent employer for Planning Officers. With a focus on professional development, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, staff can thrive while contributing to the growth of vibrant communities in the West Midlands. The councils' dedication to collaboration and face-to-face communication ensures a dynamic workplace where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the councils and their growth strategies! Research Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils, and understand their ambitious plans. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping the future of these districts.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local planning events. Building relationships can give us insights into the council's culture and priorities, plus it might just land you a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those committee presentations! Brush up on your presentation skills and be ready to discuss how you would handle various planning applications. Practising with friends or colleagues can boost your confidence and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t forget to mention your preferred base location in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Planning Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in communication and planning have made a difference in your previous roles. We want to see real examples of your work!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for planning shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning law and practice. Familiarise yourself with recent changes and local policies that might affect the councils' growth strategy. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your commitment and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be engaging with a variety of stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex planning issues in the past, whether in reports or presentations.
✨Prepare for Site Visits
Think about how you would approach site visits and what factors you would consider when assessing applications. Be ready to discuss your methodology and any relevant experiences you've had in similar situations during the interview.
✨Express Your Commitment to Development
Highlight your willingness to pursue full MRTPI membership and your dedication to continual professional development. Share any relevant training or courses you've completed, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach to growing in your role.
