Planning Officer temporary Full Time

Honeycomb are pleased to partner with a large public sector organisation to recruit 2X Planning Officers (Grade SO1) on a full-time temporary basis.

• Temporary Contract until early 2027 £18.91 per hour (£35,412 pro rata)
  Hours of work 9am - 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am-4.30pm Friday
• Hybrid working after a period of training and sign off by manager

Honeycomb is delighted to be supporting a large public sector organisation with the recruitment of a motivated and enthusiastic Planning Officer (Grade SO1) to join its Planning Service on a temporary basis until 2027.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planning professional to broaden their expertise within a busy local authority environment, working across a diverse borough and contributing to effective development management, planning enforcement, policy and place-making.

The Opportunity

Reporting to a Senior Officer, you will play an important role in supporting the delivery of the Council's planning service.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Validating and processing planning applications under the direction of a Senior Officer.
• Carrying out site inspections and attending site meetings, preparing reports and providing professional planning recommendations.
• Supporting the preparation of documentation for planning appeals and public inquiries.
• Monitoring planning decisions and investigating potential breaches of planning control.
• Gathering and recording evidence, including interviewing relevant parties, taking statements, photographing and surveying sites, preparing reports, serving enforcement notices and appearing as a witness at court or enforcement appeals where required.
• Contributing to development plans, enhancement strategies and regeneration initiatives relating to conservation areas, town centres and selected settlements.
• Undertaking research and preparing reports to support planning policy and development management.
• Responding professionally to enquiries from members of the public by telephone, correspondence and face-to-face.
• Using relevant IT systems, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Carrying out other duties appropriate to the level and general nature of the position.

The role offers exposure to a broad range of planning functions within a large public sector organisation, including development management and enforcement. The Council is also progressing its Local Development Plan 2032, which will provide a framework for future development across the borough.

Essential Criteria

Candidates must meet one of the following qualification and experience routes:

Route 1 - Degree

• A degree or equivalent qualification in a recognised planning-related discipline, such as Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Architecture or Urban Regeneration.
• At least one year's experience working within a planning environment.

Route 2 - HNC

• A HNC or equivalent qualification in a recognised planning-related discipline, such as Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Architecture or Urban Regeneration.
• At least two years' experience working within a planning environment.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate:

• Experience preparing and presenting planning application reports covering development management and enforcement matters.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant Northern Ireland planning legislation and policy.

Why Consider This Role?

This position provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your planning career within local government while gaining valuable experience across a varied portfolio of planning activity.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to decisions and projects that influence the future development, regeneration and character of communities.

If you're a qualified planning professional looking for your next opportunity, we'd be keen to hear from you.

To apply or for further information, please contact Geraldine Stevenson at Honeycomb using the details provided.

If you have a disability and require additional support during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and appropriate arrangements can be made.

Please note that successful applicants may be required to complete a Basic or Enhanced AcessNI check, with costs of approximately £18+ depending on the requirements of the role. A criminal record will not automatically prevent appointment, and any disclosures will be handled confidentially.

Honeycomb is an equal opportunities employer. Due to high application volumes, we may not be able to respond to every applicant individually, but we appreciate your interest in this role.

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