Planning Officer - 00374

Are you passionate about shaping the future of our communities through effective planning and development management? West Berkshire Council is seeking a dedicated and skilled Planning Officer to join our Development Management Team within the Planning Service. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a wide range of planning applications and make a real impact on the local area.

The Role

As a Planning Officer, You Will Be Responsible For

• Processing a diverse range of planning applications, from initial enquiries through to the preparation of detailed reports and recommendations.
• Conducting site visits and assessments to evaluate proposals and assess their compliance with relevant planning policies and regulations.
• Providing professional advice and guidance to applicants, developers, and members of the public on planning matters.
• Preparing and presenting reports to the Council's Planning Committees, and providing expert advice.
• Ensuring timely and accurate processing of applications, adhering to statutory deadlines and performance targets.
• Collaborating with other internal teams and external stakeholders, such as architects, engineers, and environmental specialists, to achieve successful planning outcomes.
  
  

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• A relevant planning qualification, such as a degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
• Experience working in a planning role, ideally within a local authority environment.
• Sound knowledge of planning legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with applicants, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Good organisational and time management abilities, with the capacity to handle a varied caseload and meet deadlines.

Membership or eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) would be advantageous.

Why Work for West Berkshire Council?

West Berkshire Council offers a supportive and flexible working environment, with a range of employment benefits including:

• Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
• Access to a wide range of relevant training and professional development opportunities.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Family-friendly policies to support your personal and professional commitments.
• A range of local discounts, offering great savings on shopping, dining, and leisure activities.
• You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.
  
  

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

In addition to these benefits, you will be part of a dedicated and friendly team, committed to delivering high-quality services to the local community.

The maximum salary for this role is £39,862 per annum, based on a 37-hour working week.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Simon Till on 01635 519427 or email simon.till@westberks.gov.uk

If you are ready to make a positive impact as part of the Planning team, apply now to join West Berkshire Council as a Planning Officer. We look forward to receiving your application.

Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career.

Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us

Equal Opportunities

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

How To Apply

Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.

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