Planning Assistant

Belfast City Council; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Belfast City Council is seeking a Planning Support candidate to assist with planning applications, planning control and public enquiries. You will research planning histories, visit sites and help prepare reports and recommendations.

You will also respond to enquiries from the public, ensuring information is provided in a professional and timely manner. This role offers the chance to develop in a busy planning office within Belfast.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic about planning with ability to learn quickly.
• Be studying towards a relevant third-level qualification and have access to transport.
• No prior planning experience required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with processing planning applications and related applications, including breaches of planning control.
• Help prepare planning reports and recommendations with Senior Planning Officer.
• Respond to enquiries from the public and other stakeholders by telephone, email, in writing and in person.
• Undertake site visits across Belfast to record relevant information and research planning histories.
• Provide cover for business support officers on validation, consultation and publicity processes.
• Contribute to service improvements and to studies for Belfast City Council's new development plan.
• Represent Belfast Planning Service professionally to maintain the Council's reputation.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Organisation

IT skills

Political awareness

Education

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

Job description

Working alongside Planning and Place officers, you will provide support with planning applications, planning control and public enquiries. You will help research planning histories, gather information through site visits and assist with the preparation of reports and recommendations.

You will also support the team in responding to enquiries from members of the public, helping to ensure that planning information and advice are provided in a professional, helpful and timely manner.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with the processing of planning applications and related applications, including matters involving breaches of planning control.
• Support the preparation of planning reports and recommendations in conjunction with the Senior Planning Officer.
• Respond to planning enquiries from members of the public and other stakeholders by telephone, email, in writing and in person.
• Undertake site visits across Belfast to record relevant information and research planning histories.
• Provide cover and support to business support officers on application validation, consultation and publicity processes.
• Contribute to service improvements and assist with studies supporting the preparation of Belfast City Council's new development plan.
• Represent Belfast Planning Service professionally, helping to maintain the Council's positive reputation.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic about planning, keen to learn and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be studying towards a relevant third-level qualification, such as Planning and Property Development, or an equivalent qualification.
• Hold a full driving licence valid for driving in Northern Ireland and have access to a car for official business, or have access to alternative transport that enables you to meet the requirements of the role.

Previous experience is not essential. This opportunity is ideal for someone looking to build their knowledge and experience in the planning profession.

Essential skills and attributes

• Customer service: A helpful, positive and professional approach when dealing with members of the public, colleagues and elected representatives.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and appropriately.
• Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues while also using your own initiative when required.
• Organisation and attention to detail: The ability to manage your workload, meet deadlines and maintain accuracy.
• IT skills: Confidence using standard office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and databases.
• Political awareness and confidentiality: The ability to handle sensitive information appropriately and deal professionally with elected representatives.