Assistant Planning Officer - Development Management, Strategic Projects

Job Introduction

2-year fixed term contract

Are you looking to kickstart your career in planning? We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Planning Officer to join our friendly and forward-thinking Development Management team in our strategic projects team working on development across the UK Central Programme at Solihull Council.

This is a career-graded role, designed to help you grow and succeed. You’ll receive tailored training and dedicated support from experienced colleagues to develop your skills and progress in your planning career.

What you’ll do:

Deliver a timely, end-to-end planning service by processing planning and related applications, as well as permitted development enquiries.

Provide clear, professional communication and excellent customer service to applicants, stakeholders, and elected members throughout the planning process.

Ensure all applications meet Solihull Council’s procedural requirements and comply with planning legislation.

What we’re looking for:

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (grades A–C / 4–9) or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in a customer service environment, with strong written, verbal, and telephone communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and resilience to handle and resolve challenging calls relating to dispute
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to meet fixed deadlines.

Applicants must also be able to drive, have a driving licence and own a car (or have access to a suitable vehicle) that is appropriately insured for business purposes, however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required.

Why join Solihull?

Our borough is a fantastic place to live and work, with plenty to explore. We’re home to UK Central programme, one of the largest growth programmes in the country, encompassing major developments such as Birmingham Airport, Jaguar Land Rover, Arden Cross, HS2, and the NEC.

You’ll gain experience across a diverse range of planning work, from vibrant urban areas to countryside and protected Green Belt land. We’re currently delivering a progressing a revised Local Plan and working hard to do what is needed to support and welcome the transformative impact of the arrival of HS2 across the borough. Our ambition is to deliver high-quality development in the right locations while protecting and enhancing our natural and historic environment. We champion excellent design, community benefit and delivery of a cohesive network of green and blue infrastructure.

In return we can offer:

• A friendly, supportive and inclusive working environment.
• A wide range of learning and development opportunities
• Generous annual leave entitlements.
• Flexible and agile working including hybrid working.
• A Flexitime scheme.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24-hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service.
• Family and carer-friendly policies.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Exclusive employee benefits: staff discounts, subsidised travel passes, Cycle 2 Work Scheme.

To apply, please click on the link below and make sure your application is in your own words and reflects your own personal experiences.

If you have a specific question regarding this post, please contact Kim Allen, Group Manager – Development Management at kallen@solihull.gov.uk or mobile 07789 050863.

Closing date: 13th September 2026

Please be advised that should we receive a sufficient number of applications, we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date. We therefore encourage early submission of your application to avoid disappointment.

Interviews will be held 24th or 25th September 2026

Please note CV’s will not be accepted for this role.

Please note: As part of our compliance and safer recruitment requirements, references will be sought for all successful candidates following interview. A reference must be provided by the candidate’s current or most recent employer or training provider. Where this does not cover the last three years, an additional reference will be required from the candidate’s next most recent employer or training provider. Posts subject to statutory regulation may require additional scrutiny. Personal/character references will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.

Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.

Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.