Development Management Officer

West Lindsey District Council; Gainsborough CP; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Gainsborough is seeking a qualified planner to manage a diverse caseload of planning applications. The role offers an enthusiastic individual the chance to work alongside a supportive Development Management team. With benefits such as flexible working, at least 29 days of annual leave, and an Essential Car User allowance, this position caters to both newly qualified and experienced planners. The council values customer focus and problem-solving skills in achieving high-quality development outcomes.

Benefits

Flexible working

29 days annual leave

Essential car user allowance

Qualifications

• Candidates must possess at least a degree in a planning or related discipline.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute is either required or candidates must be eligible to apply.
• A good understanding of planning legislation is critical.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of planning applications.
• Negotiate solutions to achieve the best outcomes for applicants and communities.
• Work collaboratively with senior colleagues for support.

Skills

Good customer focus

Problem-solving

Planning legislation knowledge

Education

Degree in Planning or related discipline

Eligibility for membership of RTPI

Job description

Band 8 £34,434 – £38,220 per annum + a monthly Essential Car User allowance

Full Time (37 Hours) Permanent

Based at the Guildhall, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire + flexible working opportunities

Opportunity

A great opportunity has now arisen to join our well-performing planning service in the new year. We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our Development Management team, where you will be responsible for taking on a diverse caseload of planning and other development-related applications.

West Lindsey is a pleasant rural district in Lincolnshire. We are in close proximity to the historic city of Lincoln, with an administrative centre in Gainsborough on the River Trent, and the historic market towns of Market Rasen and Caistor to the east, nestling into the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Development Management Team receives around 1,500 applications a year for planning permission, listed building consent, advertisement consent and other related applications. We receive a variety of development proposals including residential, commercial, agricultural and renewable energy projects.

Whether recently qualified, or a more experienced officer, we are looking for someone with a good customer focus who seeks to achieve high-quality development through good planning. You should have a sound understanding of planning legislation, be a good problem solver and be able to identify and negotiate solutions that will achieve the best results for both our applicants and communities. You will be the case officer for a variety of applications, and supported by senior colleagues as your knowledge and career develops.

Requirements

To be eligible for this role, candidates must be qualified to at least degree level in a planning or related discipline and hold (or be eligible for) membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Benefits

This post benefits from flexible working, a minimum of 29 days annual leave and an essential car user allowance.

How to Apply

To apply: for application documentation, job description and person specification, please click the Apply button at the bottom of the page. Also please note we do not accept CV’s as a form of application.

Additional Information

Applicants will be subject to a criminal record check. All recruitment correspondence, including interview invites, will be sent out via email.

Contact:

• Russell Clarkson, Development Management Team Manager – tel: [phone] / email [e-mail]
• Ian Elliott, Development Management Team Leader – tel: [phone] / email [e-mail]

Dates

Closing date: Tuesday 13th January 2026

Interview date: Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd January

The Council has a commitment to equal opportunities and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community. Also we operate a no smoking policy.