Planning Officer (Policy) - Career Pathway
Job Title: Planning Officer - Policy (Career Pathway)
Service: Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services
Service Area: Planning Policy and the Local Development Plan
Responsible to: Principal Planning Policy Officer
Location: Based in County Hall, Ruthin / Remote home working (travel throughout the county of Denbighshire is vital within this role)
About the roleWe are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to join our front-line Planning Policy Team, helping to shape our varied communities and drive economic growth in beautiful Denbighshire.
The Planning Policy Team are responsible for the creation and adoption of a new Local Development Plan (LDP) as well as providing professional advice to assist with determining the acceptability of development proposals of all types via Planning Applications and Appeals.
There is currently a Planning Officer (Policy) role available in this important area of planning where good communication with a variety of key stakeholders is vital to ensure our outstanding natural environment is protected and key development is provided.
What is a Career Pathway?A Career Pathway is a development plan for an employee to progress in their career. Employees on a career pathway are supported to develop their knowledge, skills, experience and potentially gain qualifications to progress in their career in a specific area. Career Pathways have an entry level job description which will have a lower salary, and an end level job description which will have a higher salary.
Job purpose- To develop and use land use Planning Policies and Guidance including the creation of Site Development Briefs.
- To make professional recommendations on planning applications, present the Council's case on planning appeals, provide pre-application advice and guidance to customers and all other relevant development management duties.
- To carry out investigations into possible breaches of planning control and take any necessary action.
- To research the preparation and development of development plan policies and associated supplementary planning guidance.
- To assist with the implementation of planning policies and associated guidance documents and the delivery of professional advice on development proposals.
- To work with key stakeholders to present and advance the Council's interests.
- To ensure the correct preparation of Committee and delegated reports in liaison with the Principal Officers, Manager of the team, relevant Members and other internal colleagues.
- To contribute to the creation and review of internal policies, procedures and protocols to ensure continuous improvements are made to the service provided.
- To represent the Service at internal or external training, meetings and groups, including Cabinet meetings, Scrutiny Committees, Planning Committee, Member Area Groups, Court hearings, Public Inquiries and other appeals as requested.
- To undertake any other tasks for the Service, including work on identified service priority projects.
- To assist in the delivery of the priorities of the Service to support a performance driven culture and working towards delivering 'excellence' in key performance indicators.
Qualifications: Educated to Degree or equivalent level in a Planning or related subject. Be a Member of the RTPI or be working towards full membership for higher career grade scale.
Experience: Previous experience in Planning Policy or Development Management is desirable. Experience of working independently or as part of a team and handling, in a timely and professional manner, a professional workload. Experience of researching and compiling professional reports containing logical and clear recommendations and conclusions. Experience of handling confrontational situations. Experience in using information technology and data management systems.
Skills: Ability to communicate in Welsh and English desirable. Training will be provided to post holder(s) to ensure relevant skills are enhanced.
Special working conditionsPossible confrontational situations. The post-holder will need a valid UK driving licence as the post involves travelling by car. Although this post is 37 hours per week, a flexible approach to core working hours is required as some evening or weekend work may be necessary.
Benefits- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 26 days (plus bank holidays) rising with length of service to a total of 32 days
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Focus on Employee Wellbeing and access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)
- Lifestyle Savings via DCC Rewards Direct
- Car salary sacrifice scheme and car leasing scheme
- Family friendly policies
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this post, please contact: Karsten Bruβk, Principal Planning Officer on 01824 706914 / karsten.brussk@denbighshire.gov.uk
Closing date: 23 November 2026. Interview date: To be confirmed. Start date: As soon as practical.