Planning Officer / Trainee Planning Officer

Permanent

Ref: P0775

Exciting opportunities to grow your career in a forward‑thinking and expanding planning team.

Why join Dacorum?

Located just 25 minutes from central London and immediately outside the M25, Dacorum is home to Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Tring — a vibrant mix of historic market towns, New Town neighbourhoods and extensive Green Belt. It is a growing, ambitious and environmentally rich borough, offering a wide variety of planning challenges that will genuinely develop your professional experience.

About the opportunity

We are looking for motivated and ambitious individuals to join our Development Management team. Whether you are an experienced planner or someone looking to start a career in planning, this role offers excellent opportunities for progression.

You will play a key role in the efficient delivery of a wide range of planning applications, with the opportunity to take on more complex work as your experience grows. You will bring good judgement, strong communication skills and a positive, solutions‑focused approach to working with applicants, colleagues and stakeholders.

Trainees receive structured on‑the‑job learning and, subject to budget, sponsorship to undertake an undergraduate or postgraduate planning qualification or apprenticeship (including day release).

What we offer

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Outstanding 17.1% employer pension contribution
• Flexible working patterns, including home or office‑based options
• Support to study and payment of professional subscriptions
• Car salary sacrifice scheme
• Strong commitment to personal development and career progression
• Incentivised pay scheme, offering opportunities to earn additional income through pre‑application work
• £3,000 market supplement (paid monthly, subject to annual review)

What we’re looking for

• Enthusiastic, reliable and proactive individuals
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage competing priorities
• Good understanding of planning legislation (for Planning Officer applicants)
• A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Applicants must have a driving licence that is valid in the UK.

A Basic check will be undertaken with the Disclosure and Barring Service to ensure that the successful candidate has no relevant convictions.

If you would like to discuss these opportunities, or if you have any questions, please feel free to call Martin Stickley on 01442 228652 or email martin.stickley@dacorum.gov.uk.

The deadline for applications will be midnight on the closing date shown in the advert details.

Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation

The Council is going through a major change as part of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and devolution. This means that the district and borough councils in Hertfordshire will be replaced by a smaller number of new unitary councils.

The aim is to make local government simpler and more efficient, improve services for residents, and bring decision-making closer to the communities we serve.

What this means for you

If you join Dacorum Borough Council between now and 31 March 2028, you will move to a new organisation on 1 April 2028. Your role will transfer to the new authority, but the way you work and who you report to may change.

While this may be different from what you are used to, it is also a rare and exciting opportunity to join Dacorum at a time of real change.

You will have the chance to help shape the future of local services and be part of building something new.

The new unitary councils will create opportunities for innovation, growth, and better public services. They will offer a more joined-up and forward-looking working environment for employees.

We are committed to supporting our staff and continuing to deliver high-quality services for residents throughout this change. Together, we are building a better future.