Career Grade Planning Officer

North Yorkshire Council; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council is seeking a Career Graded Planning Officer – Development Management to provide planning advice and manage a caseload of applications. You will attend committees, present items, and contribute to a proactive, customer-focused development management service that meets statutory requirements.

The role offers progression from entry to higher level with responsibilities including report preparation, policy review, and engagement with planning committees.

Qualifications

• Educated to A Level or equivalent.
• Ability to read and check accuracy of plans on site and in the office.
• Capability to work to tight timescales and to achieve targets.
• Good negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Preparing accurate and timely officer delegated reports and written responses.

Responsibilities

• Act as a case officer for householder, minor and other planning applications.
• Detailed assessment of application submissions, provision of advice on suitability for proposed sites and alignment with policies.
• Undertake site inspections and attend site meetings as required.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post/grade as directed by your manager or the Service.
• Keep up to date with planning regulations, policy and legislation.
• Support delivery of proactive, customer-focused development management services.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Reading plan drawings

Time management

Report writing

Education

A Level or equivalent

Degree in planning or related subject

Job description

Join Us in Shaping the Future of North Yorkshire!

Our Planning Services are central to managing the built and natural environment, ensuring sustainable growth, and delivering positive outcomes for communities. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are looking for skilled and motivated Planning Officers who want to make a meaningful impact and take their career to the next level. Whether you’re passionate about shaping local projects or working on larger-scale infrastructure, we provide the platform to grow your expertise and contribute to transformational projects.

About the Role

The role consists of the provision of planning advice and managing a caseload of planning applications and related consents, including planning applications and appeals submitted under the Town and Country Planning Acts and other related legislation. In addition to attending Planning Committees and other relevant groups to present agenda items and represent the service.

The post holder will help to deliver a proactive, customer focused and compliant ‘end- to-end’ development management service that meets statutory requirements. Including contributing to the delivery of excellent performance and customer service, planned outcomes, targets and objectives and continuous improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Career Graded Planning Officer – Development Management (Entry Level)

• Act as a case officer for householder, minor and other planning applications with often competing material considerations.

• Detailed assessment of application submissions, provision of advice on suitability for the proposed sites for the proposed development, advice on improvements to accord with national and local policies, sustainability and promotion of design and environmental quality.

• Undertake site inspections and attend site meetings as required.

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post/grade as directed by your manager or any member of the Service Management Team.

• Keep up to date with planning regulations, policy and legislation.

Experience / Qualifications:

• Educated to A Level or equivalent

• Ability to read and check accuracy of plans on site and in the office

• Capability to work to tight timescales and to achieve targets

• Good negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills

• Preparing accurate and timely officer delegated reports and written responses.

Career Graded Planning Officer – Development Management (Higher Level)

• Preparation of reports for and occasional attendance at Planning Committee, Public Meetings, working parties, consultative for a and any other relevant groups, to present reports and represent the Service as required.

• Assist in dealing with planning appeal procedures, assist in the preparation of evidence and advice in respect of policy matters relating to appeals through Written Representations, Informal Hearing or Public Inquiry procedures.

• To negotiate community benefits from development proposals through legal agreements in line with Council policies including section 106 obligations and/or Community Infrastructure Levy payments

• Maintain continual professional development.

Experience / Qualifications:

• A degree or qualification in planning or related subject.

• Acting as a case officer on planning applications

• Using experience of practical application to contribute to challenge, review and rationalise policies, procedures and work standards

• Ability to resolve conflicting interests

• Ability to interpret information and make balanced judgements in the public interest.

Key Dates:

Closing Date: Sunday 29th November 2026

Interview: week commencing 7th December 2026

Key Documents:

• Job Description
• Total Rewards Brochure

We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.