Planning Assistant

Hatched Recruitment Group; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Hatched Recruitment Group is recruiting a Planning Assistant on behalf of Belfast City Council, to join the Planning Service within the Place and Economy Department. The role is temporary for 13 weeks, based in Belfast (BT2 8GD).

Salary is £13.45 PAYE, with 37 hours per week. The pattern is 3 days in the office and 2 days remote after training. Start date is 1st September 2026 with an anticipated 13-week duration.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Good IT skills across standard office software.

Responsibilities

• Assist with processing of planning applications and breaches of planning control.
• Help prepare reports and recommend actions with Senior Planning Officer.
• Respond to planning enquiries by phone, email and in person.
• Carry out site visits to research planning histories and gather site information.
• Provide cover and advice to business support officers on validation, consultation and publicity.
• Contribute to studies supporting Belfast's new development plan.

Skills

Strong communication

Good IT skills

Teamwork

Independent

Education

Studying towards relevant third-level qualification (e.g. Planning and Property Development)

Job description

Planning Assistant - Belfast City Council

Belfast, BT2 8GD | Temporary, 13 weeks | £13.45 PAYE | 37 hours per week

Hatched Recruitment Group is recruiting a Planning Assistant on behalf of Belfast City Council, to join the Planning Service within the Place and Economy Department. This is a temporary role covering a peak in workload, with an anticipated start date of 1st September 2026 and a duration of 13 weeks.

About the role

• Assisting with the processing of planning applications and breaches of planning control
• Helping prepare reports and agreeing recommendations with the Senior Planning Officer
• Responding to planning enquiries from members of the public by phone, email, and in person
• Carrying out site visits across Belfast to research planning histories and gather site information
• Providing cover and advice to business support officers on validation, consultation, and publicity
• Contributing to studies supporting Belfast's new development plan

Working pattern

3 days in the office, 2 days remote after an initial training period.

What you'll need

• To be studying towards a relevant third-level qualification (e.g. Planning and Property Development) or equivalent
• A full driving licence valid in Northern Ireland, with access to a car for official business (or an alternative that meets the travel requirements of the role)
• No prior experience required - this role is well suited to those looking to build a career in planning
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to deal with sensitive or confidential information appropriately
• Good IT skills across standard office software
• The ability to work well independently and as part of a team