Assistant Planning Officer

Belfast Zoo; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Belfast City Council is advertising for a full-time, fixed-term Assistant Planning Officer within the Place & Economy Department - Planning & Building Control. The post runs until 22 February 2027 (subject to review) and emphasises equality of opportunity.

The role involves supporting policy development, development plans, and the processing of planning applications, with a focus on performance and statutory compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning policy development or development management

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day supervision of technical support staff and other staff within Development Planning and Policy or Development Management Units.
• Support the team to meet statutory requirements and ensure performance against business standards.
• Process planning applications, assess planning effects, and contribute to enforcement of planning controls.
• Contribute to policy development, development plans, and updating development management policies.
• Assist with delivering planning frameworks and appeals handling as required.

Job description

Place & Economy Department - Planning & Building Control

There is currently one full-time, fixed term contract post until 22 February 2027, subject to review.

As females are currently known to be under-represented in this job group, in Belfast City Council, applications from this group would be particularly welcome.

And as young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are currently under-represented in Belfast City Council, applications from these groups would be particularly welcome.

As part of our commitment to equality of opportunity we offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

Belfast City Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.

The Assistant Planning Officer is accountable to a Planning Officer / Senior Planning Officer in the Development Planning and Policy or Development Management Unit as appropriate.

Responsible to a Principal Planning Officer through a Planning Officer / Senior Planning Officer in Development Planning and Policy or Development Management for supporting: policy development; development plans; updating development management policies; reviewing guidance, development of planning frameworks; processing of planning applications; and appeals; enforcement of planning controls and delivery of other planning related functions such as conservation and protection of trees.

To provide support to the team in meeting all statutory requirements and ensuring effective performance whilst supporting training and development for staff to meet the needs of the business and all customers in accordance with best practice standards and other performance measures.

Responsible for assisting with the day-to-day supervision of technical support staff and other staff as required within the Development Planning and Policy or Development Management Units.

About the department

ThePlace and Economy Departmentdrives thefuture growth, regeneration, and economic developmentof Belfast and this work aligns with the aims and objectives of theBelfast AgendaandCorporate Plan. Key areas of responsibility include:

• City Centre Regeneration & Investment – Delivering policies, plans, and projects that shape the future of Belfast.
• Economic Development – Supporting high-growth sectors, small businesses, skills development, and employability.
• Planning & Building Control – Overseeing development management, enforcement, and the Local Development Plan (LDP) .
• International Relations & Tourism – Promoting Belfast as a key global destination for investment and culture .
• Major Events & Venues – Managing strategic assets including Waterfront and Ulster Hall, Belfast Zoo, Belfast Castle, and Malone House and supporting the development of culture, heritage and the arts.

This department plays a vital role in:

• Aligning regional and city-wide development strategies.
• Drivinginclusive growththrough business support and inward investment.
• Enhancing the city's infrastructure, housing, and transport networks.
• Showcasing Belfast as a hub for tourism, heritage, and the arts.
• Overseeing strategic grant programmes to support community and economic initiatives.

The department plays a pivotal role in ensuring Belfast is an attractive, sustainable, and inclusive place to live, work, and visit.

Place & Economy Department - Planning & Building Control

City & Neighbourhood Services Department