Planning Officer

Waterman Aspen; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A consulting firm in urban planning is seeking a Planning Officer in Birmingham. The role involves advising developers, analyzing planning applications, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Urban Planning or related field, knowledge of planning laws, and excellent analytical skills. The position offers a competitive salary and an industry-leading benefits package including health insurance, pension, and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Company car or car allowance

Permanent health insurance

25 days annual leave

Company pension contribution

Paid community volunteering day

Qualifications

• Eligibility for RTPI membership.
• Knowledge of planning laws, environmental regulations, and land-use policies.
• Proven experience in town planning or urban design.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice to developers to influence development proposals.
• Assess planning applications for minerals and waste developments.
• Negotiate Section 106 agreements and site-specific requirements.
• Ensure compliance with planning permission.
• Assist in enforcing planning control.
• Communicate with applicants and public on planning matters.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Presentation abilities

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, or related field

Job description

You’ll get all the benefits of being employed by us, while working on a variety of projects for our clients. Joining Waterman Aspen as a Planning Officer will see you as a key member of the Town Planning team and you can expect :

• A varied client base where you can apply and develop your skills
• Buy-in from clients to assist in your technical progression
• Further exposure to your chosen industry – increasing your awareness, knowledge and sharpening your skills
• The flexibility to broaden your horizons with each new secondment, without changing your employer
• Career development and training to reach your professional or academic qualification goals supported by our own network of mentors and managers
• Paid subscription to a professional body of your choice
• Regular social events and volunteering opportunities

Experience required…

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, or a related field, eligibility for RTPI membership.
• Proven experience in town planning, urban design, or a similar role.
• Knowledge of planning laws, environmental regulations, and land-use policies.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to address complex planning challenges.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities for engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide advice to developers and seeking to influence development proposals to minimise adverse impacts and seek consistency with land use transport policies.
• Analysing and assessing planning applications for a range of minerals and waste developments, preparation of Regulatory Committee and Delegated reports and handling any appeals where appropriate.
• Negotiate Section 106 agreements and site specific requirements.
• Ensuring compliance with planning permission, including monitoring ongoing developments.
• Assist in enforcing planning control.
• Negotiating and communicating with applicants and members of the public on a range of planning related matters.

You’ll get this and so much more…

As a salaried colleague, you’ll get a salary in line with your experience, skills and location along with an industry‑leading benefits package :

• Company car or car allowance
• Contribution to commuting mileage
• Permanent health insurance
• 25 days annual leave (option to buy up to 5 more), in addition to the normal public holidays (based on a 40 hour week, pro rata for part‑time colleagues)
• Company pension contribution
• Salary sacrifice to buy additional benefits
• 1 paid Waterman Aspen in the Community Day to volunteer in your local community