Trainee Planning Officer

Please note this vacancy may close early due to high volumes of applications

Do you have an interest in helping new development come forward in a sustainable way? Do you want to build a career in a busy and proactive planning team? Then this role is for you.

Who are we looking for?

Wealden District Council is committed to delivering sustainable development and providing our communities with a 5 star planning service.

This is an opportunity for someone who has no experience in planning and is willing to train or those with some experience wanting to further their planning career. In either case you will be dealing with householder, minor and other applications types in a district with a varied history and landscape, all whilst undertaken a relevant qualification and gaining experience in other matters like policy and enforcement.

You will be part of a team that helps to process around 3000 applications, applying planning law and policy and delivering positive outcomes for our communities and businesses.

What will the role involve?

• Preparing planning reports on development proposals.
• Providing advice and conducting negotiations with applicants to achieve the best possible outcomes and deliver 5-star customer service.
• Liaising with various stakeholders, including residents, officers from other service sections, elected members, and external bodies to ensure material consideration are taken into account and that decision making is open and transparent.
• Engaging in pre-application discussions, taking opportunities to front load planning considerations and make the formal planning application process run smoothly.
• Undertaking a qualification in planning.

What skills, knowledge and abilities do you require for the role?

• An entry level knowledge of planning policy or development management.
• Customer service skills, being particularly adept at speaking with those who have conflicting demands and priorities.
• Communication and negotiation skills. Being able to discuss proposals in a positive, constructive, and professional manner to deliver positive planning outcomes.
• A-Level qualifications or some experience in planning.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary & pension scheme.
• Incremental progression subject to satisfactory performance.
• A friendly, supportive team.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Hybrid working.

Please note that this job is being advertised alongside an Assistant Planning Officer role, although only one role will be filled.

For more information

For more information and an informal chat about the opportunity please contact Stephanie Wood, Team Leader, on 01892 602474 or Scott Carey, Assistant Team Leader on 01892 602475.

About Wealden

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities, and all applications will be treated on merit.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. At Wealden District Council, we are committed to fair, accessible recruitment and supporting colleagues with the adjustments they need to thrive. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview. Join a workplace that values inclusion, wellbeing and equal opportunity.

Ethical Use of AI in Applications

We welcome innovation and do not automatically exclude candidates who use AI tools during the application process. However, we assess each application to ensure the candidate genuinely understands the role and its requirements.

AI may be used ethically and responsibly, provided it supports, rather than compromises our core values of integrity, transparency, and fairness. During assessments and interviews, candidates must present their own skills and experience without assistance from others, external resources, or AI, unless explicitly instructed otherwise.