Planning Officer (Development Management)

This 12-month maternity cover role offers graduates a structured entry into local government planning, involving the assessment of residential and commercial applications, report writing, and presenting cases to the Planning Committee.

Mid Devon District Council is looking to recruit a Planning Officer to join its high performing development management service to provide 12 months maternity cover.

The role involves handling a variety of applications, including householder, minor residential and commercial, prior approvals and pre-application advice, so is ideal for graduates / post graduates or those early in their planning career. You will attend Planning Committee, where relevant, to present your cases.  You will contribute towards a culture of mutual support and development across the team.

An ability to analyse planning issues and to write high quality letters, reports, and appeal statements whilst meeting agreed deadlines is something we will work with you to develop in conjunction with our supportive Principal Planning Officers and Area Team Leaders.

We are looking for people with good communication and presentation skills and the desire to enhance them.  You will be supported by regular one to ones with a Team Leader, have access to Continuous Professional Development and work with a small and friendly, team of Planners with all levels of experience.

Mid Devon provides an opportunity to working in an attractive rural area close to the city of Exeter and within easy reach of the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, Blackdown Hills National Landscape and the north and south Devon coasts, dealing with a range of developments across our market towns and villages. We have a culture of developing and promoting our people with our principal officers all progressing within the team.

The post would suit a person looking for a first role in planning including those who have  completed a first degree in a relevant discipline that allows for progression onto an RTPI accredited course.  We are looking for someone who is keen to develop their experience of dealing with a wide range of applications for planning permission, prior approvals and written representation appeals.

To be successful in this role you must have a positive approach to challenges, problem solving, and the ability to use your initiative, be able to innovate and seek creative solutions to planning for new homes and jobs and securing the delivery of infrastructure.