Career Grade Development Management Officer

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Development Management Officer to manage a caseload of planning applications, focusing on customer service. This role requires a degree in Town Planning, some relevant experience, and excellent communication skills. The position offers flexible working arrangements, and the chance to play a key role in a council that values modern planning practices and community engagement.

Benefits

Flexible working

Local government pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Electric pool cars

Qualifications

• Completion of a degree in Town Planning or a related subject is required.
• Some development management experience is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills for meetings and advice.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of planning applications.
• Develop a customer-focused planning service.
• Carry out site visits and manage complaints.
• Provide advice to stakeholders and represent the Council at appeals.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Customer-focused approach

Planning application management

Education

Degree in Town Planning or a related subject

Job description

Overview

Career Grade Development Management Officer (P01441) Salary £34,431 - £41,254 (Planning Officer) £41,992 - £49,608 (Senior Planning Officer) inclusive of outer fringe allowance (Career Grade Scheme with appointment level dependent on experience) 37 hours per week (Hybrid working)

Are you looking for a new challenge in an area steeped in planning history? Do you enjoy being part of a small team, and want the opportunity to work on a mixture of urban and rural applications? If so, this could be the next Planning role for you. A fantastic opportunity is available at Welwyn Hatfield Council for a Career Grade Development Management Officer. In this challenging and hugely rewarding opportunity, you’ll be responsible for managing a caseload of planning applications (ranging from householders up to major schemes depending on experience). In addition, you will be expected to proactively develop a customer-focussed service. You will be carrying out site visits, dealing with complaints, providing advice to a range of stakeholders, and representing the Council at appeals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of planning applications (from householders to major schemes, depending on experience).
• Proactively develop a customer-focussed planning service.
• Carry out site visits and deal with complaints.
• Provide advice to a range of stakeholders and represent the Council at appeals.

About You

To succeed in this role, you’ll need to have completed a degree or equivalent in Town Planning or a related subject. Some development management experience and a proactive, customer focussed approach will also help you to thrive in this position. Excellent communication skills are essential, as you’ll be expected to hold meetings with customers and council members to provide advice, guidance, and feedback on planning and related matters.

About Us

Welwyn Hatfield includes the two towns of Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield but also encompasses a significant rural area designated as Green Belt. This creates a vibrant mix of opportunities and developments including major brownfield re-development within the main towns, urban extensions delivering new homes and jobs, to rural agricultural development as well as conservation and heritage work. With a strong legacy of planning principles embedded within our area from the Garden City and New Towns movements and a newly adopted Local Plan, the postholder will have a key role to play in delivering positive project outcomes and helping to ensure our planning service is modern, efficient, and effective, with customers at its heart. You will join a forward-thinking council that puts customers first and aims to make the workplace vibrant and supportive.

Benefits and Working Arrangements

• Flexible working to balance work and home life.
• Electric pool cars.
• Local government pension scheme and generous annual leave.
• More benefits referenced in the council’s rewards page.

Additional Information

We do not offer sponsorship for employment in the UK.

Closing date for applications: 12 October 2025

Remote Assessments: 17 October 2025

Interview Date: 24 October 2025

Keywords: Planning, Town Planning, Applications, Regeneration, Rural, Major Schemes, Dwellings, Hybrid, Working, Hertfordshire