Leicester is an exciting and enjoyable place to live and work. It has a rich history and a wonderful built and natural environment. It is a rapidly growing economy in a strategic position in the country. As a result, it has a growing national and international profile.

Leicester City holds significant potential for managed growth and has an ambitious Council focussed on delivery. As a Planning Service we aim to proactively plan to help shape the City over the next 17 years and beyond, balancing the need for new homes and jobs against the need to protect the heritage and green environment We are now embarking on a new phase of regeneration and placemaking as we progress with our new Local Plan.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Planning Officer to deal with Minor and Householder applications guiding these through the development management process. We want an exceptional candidate to make a valuable contribution to our Planning Service; a service that brings together Development Management, Strategic Planning, Urban Design and other specialists. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their ability to efficiently and effectively deliver successful outcomes.

Your role

As a Planner, you will lead on specific allocated projects, process and assess planning applications, as well as report on planning applications and other planning matters. Liaising with the public, members, other officers, businesses, other professional groups and local authorities, you will give information and advice on procedures and respond to queries. You will undertake site visits and assess proposals, do research and gather information.

What you will need

To thrive in this role, you will have good fundamental and technical knowledge as well as an understanding of all relevant planning legislation and policies. With experience in town planning you will be able to lead on various projects and\or areas of development\change as well as have an awareness of current issues affecting planning national policy and local developments. You will show excellent communication and negotiation skills to deal with other professionals and succeed in a team environment. You will be working to tight deadlines and be responsible for keeping planning records up to date, therefore good organisational skills are key. You will show the ability to write comprehensive and accurate planning reports and have experience of communicating management, technical and progress information in presentations, proposals, reports and emails.

Additional information

If you have a proactive attitude and can contribute positively to the work and culture of a growing, dynamic and ambitious service then we would like to hear from you.

This is a career graded post (LG Band 05 – LG Band 08). Appointment to a level will depend on the outcome of the selection process and experience of the successful candidate. Dependent on availability of work/vacancy at a higher level, progress will be by satisfactory performance, agreed at annual Appraisals and through on-going supervision.

Please complete our online application form, referring to the attached person specification and ensuring you tell us about your experience and knowledge where this is being measured by application form.

Should you wish to attach a CV please ensure this is tailored to the job requirements which will give you the best chance of being shortlisted.

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact: Bharti Chauhan (0116 454 3014) or Katy Redford (01164543021) or development.management@leicester.gov.uk

What we can offer you

As well as the satisfaction of helping to improve thousands of lives across Leicester, you can look forward to a work environment that encourages a healthy balance between you work life and your personal life. You’ll enjoy generous annual leave entitlement, membership of the excellent Local Government Pension Scheme and the option of flexible working. We’ll also give you the chance to develop your skills and expertise with a variety of training and development opportunities and career pathways. In addition, you can choose from a number of flexible benefits, including our fantastic salary sacrifice car scheme, big discounts at high-street outlets, childcare vouchers, discounts on city buses and trains, we may also be able help with relocation expenses if you are moving to the City, or need help with commuting costs.