Graduate / Assistant Planner

ZipRecruiter; Ashington; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local property development company in Ashington is seeking a Graduate / Assistant Planner to support land and planning applications. The position offers a competitive salary starting from £24,242 and a comprehensive benefits package including extensive annual leave and a generous pension plan. Ideal candidates will be educated to degree level in Urban Planning or Geography and possess excellent communication skills.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26–31 days annual leave

Generous pension contributions

Wellbeing services

Employee vehicle-leasing schemes

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level (Urban Planning / Geography / or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of the England Planning system (NPPF, Local and Neighbourhood Plans).
• Demonstrable experience of the ability to work to tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare applications and secure approvals.
• Develop planning strategies and project design.
• Carry out research and report on development issues.

Skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Teamwork skills

Planning knowledge

Research skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Degree in Urban Planning / Geography or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Advance Northumberland is a diverse property investment & development business, delivering opportunities to improve prosperity, tackle inequalities and drive economic growth in support of Northumberland County Council.

Whether its support for new and developing businesses, the remediation of challenging brownfield sites, building of large-scale manufacturing units, delivering new purpose-built offices, delivery of major town centre redevelopments, including complex retail developments, leisure facilities or the delivery of high-quality market sale and affordable housing it can all be found in this unique regeneration company.

We work collaboratively with stakeholders and partners, delivering positive physical and economic development. Focusing on the needs and aspirations of the county, addressing economic, housing and infrastructure challenges whilst capitalising on Northumberland’s significant assets and opportunities. We deliver a comprehensive regeneration capability to improve the County’s economic prosperity, regenerate communities, improve liveability and create a more connected and aspirational County.

In doing so, we will support a broader county-wide assets-based approach to promote economic growth and an improved quality of life for its communities. Building on the opportunities emerging from North East Combined Authority to enhance its regeneration impact, taking its lead from Northumberland County Council, and working in collaboration with key partners.

Advance Northumberland Projects , coordinate all of the groups Project activity through the Advance Northumberland Project Framework process. The team also provide Project, Planning and Quality Management services to the rest of the group and deliver our own internal capital programme. In addition, the team carry out work on behalf of Northumberland County Council to improve Northumberland for businesses and . Recent projects have included new award winning leisure centres in Morpeth and Berwick,Regeneration of Blyth Town centre Redevelopment of Bedlington town centre; and Northumberland Energy Park

The land and planning team are now at the heart of our business continuing to secure the pipeline of land for Ascent Homes and now increasing their scope of activity to cover commercial, industrial and BNG land opportunities.

Job title and reporting

Job title: Graduate / Assistant Planner

Reports to: Head of Land and Planning

Location: Wansbeck Workspace and other locations as part of role.

Role Purpose: Support the Advance Northumberland land function with land and planning applications

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work on specific projects which will be commensurate with the skill level, experience, and complexity of projects.
• Preparation of appropriate applications and securing relevant approvals, consents and discharge of conditions.
• Work with project teams to develop the planning strategy and project design to best achieve viable planning success.
• Carry out research and report on development issues associated with the company’s business activities
• Undertake site surveys, record and report on observations and relate to planning policy, guidance, and issues.
• Assist in new site identification, undertake research and feasibility studies as appropriate to experience
• Liaise with planning authorities, key agencies and other consultants ensuring that their information requirements are met.
• Work closely with the wider Advance team to provide specific inputs into projects in terms of planning strategy, timescales, viable programmes and likely costs.
• Adhere to the Advance Northumberland Procurement Policy in all activities where this is required.

Generic Requirements for all colleagues

• Contribute to the creation of a positive culture in line with Advance Northumberland values
• Show commitment to equality in the workplace and ensure this is reflected in all activities
• Ensure a safe and sustainable working environment is promoted across the business
• Contribute to the financial performance of the business, in line with role responsibilities
• Undertake other reasonable duties as requested

Personal Specification

Essential Criteria

• You must have: Educated to degree level (Urban Planning / Geography / or equivalent with qualifications in, or relevant to, Town and Country Planning
• Working knowledge of the England Planning system (NPPF, Local and Neighbourhood Plans)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to develop experience of being able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary project team
• Demonstrable experience of the ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure
• Full UK Driving licence
• Willingness to work towards Chartered status of the MRTPI/RICS and develop own skills

It would be good but not essential if you also have:

• Experience of public speaking such as public consultation events and planning committees

Benefits of working for us

We care about our colleagues and their wellbeing and have been nationally recognised for this. Apart from the competitive salary, we also have fantastic benefits. We focus on our colleague’s health, wealth, and lifestyle. We like to think our benefits package is one of the best around! Here is an example below on what you can expect.

• Salary – from £24,242 per annum (with career pathway)
• Annual leave - Start with 26 days, increasing to 31 days with service.
• Pension - Generous employer contributions of 8%. You pay 2%, although you can choose to pay more if you want.
• Financial Benefits - Enjoy the security of free life assurance, an employee referral scheme (earning £1,000 per recruited referral), and our Cash plan App with discounts and cashback at top retailers. Free on-site parking at all locations.
• Wellbeing & Lifestyle Services - Access our colleague assistance programme with 24/7 support, GP services, mental health support and, dental and optical plus a range of other health therapies. We also have a cycle to work scheme and home electronics schemes, both of which are salary exchange, so you pay less Insurance. We have extensive health campaigns from our award-winning Better Health at work team. You will be able to access our private healthcare scheme on completion of probation.
• Motoring Benefits - Take advantage of exclusive employee vehicle-leasing schemes, through NHS Fleet.