Full job descriptionJob Introduction
Planning Officer - Planning Policy and Neighbourhood Planning
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Planning Policy Team at Northumberland County Council for an enthusiastic and motivated Planning Officer to join a dynamic and supportive service.
As one of the largest local authority areas in England, Northumberland encompasses a diverse mix of urban, rural and coastal communities, each with its own opportunities and planning challenges. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience across a broad range of planning policy and neighbourhood planning matters while making a real difference to the places where people live and work.
The successful candidate will contribute to the preparation, implementation and monitoring of planning policy across Northumberland. This will include supporting the production of Development Plan documents, supplementary planning guidance and evidence studies, monitoring policy performance, and providing planning policy advice to officers, elected Members and external stakeholders.
A significant element of the role will involve supporting neighbourhood planning across Northumberland. Working closely with parish and town councils, local communities and colleagues across the Planning Service, you will help communities prepare neighbourhood plans that reflect local priorities, address local challenges and shape future development.
We are looking for a candidate with a strong understanding of planning policy and planning issues, excellent communication and organisational skills, and a commitment to community-led planning. An interest in digital innovation within planning is essential, and experience or knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) would be advantageous.
The role is based at County Hall, Morpeth, with the benefit of flexible hybrid working arrangements. The post will involve occasional travel throughout Northumberland.
This is an exciting opportunity for a planning professional to develop their skills and experience while helping to shape the future development of one of the country’s most diverse and distinctive counties.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB
*A relevant Planning degree
*Strong written and verbal communication skills, and attention to detail
*Effective ICT skills
*A valid UK driving license
Northumberland County Council’s (NCC) vision is ’Land of Great Opportunities’, for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work.
For further information about working for NCC, please visit our website here.
Why choose us?
We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:
*26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
*Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
*Flexi scheme (if applicable) - up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees)