Planning Officer

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority; Brecon; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority is seeking a Planning Officer to manage development management casework from its Brecon office. The role includes handling householder planning applications, site visits, negotiations and reporting, with occasional Planning Committee presentations.

The successful candidate should hold a planning qualification or be working toward RTPI membership, with a clear understanding of planning legislation and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• A recognised planning qualification or working towards such a qualification.
• Eligible for RTPI membership or working towards full membership.
• Knowledge of planning legislation and procedures or aptitude to learn.
• Ability to provide coherent, professional advice in writing and verbally.
• Organisational and interpersonal skills to meet deadlines and present reports.

Responsibilities

• Process householder and straightforward planning applications with site visits, negotiations, reports and potential Planning Committee presentations.
• Assist team with other planning-related work including applications and Certificates of Lawfulness.
• Respond to enquiries from the public and provide planning advice.
• Respond to preliminary enquiries about development within the National Park Authority area.
• Liaise with Enforcement on unauthorised development matters.
• Prepare and submit appeal documents under supervision.
• Contribute to Local Development Plan reviews and policy development.
• Carry out other duties within the remit of the post as required.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Teamwork

Communication skills

Driving licence

Welsh language level 1

Education

Planning degree or equivalent

Tools

IT knowledge

Job description

Planning Officer

Location: Brecon

Salary: £35,570 - £37,563 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week)

Closing Date: 16th of November 2026

Interview Date: 25th of November 2026

Job Purpose: To manage Development Management casework and assist in the promotion of Forward Planning and National Park Management Plan objectives.

MAIN DUTIES

• To process householder and other straightforward planning applications including site visits, meeting applicants, negotiations, correspondence and preparation of reports. When necessary to present cases to Planning Committee.
• To assist the team to process all other planning related work including where appropriate applications, Certificate of Lawfulness for Existing Use or Development / Certificate of Lawfulness for Proposed Use or Development or fringe consults.
• To respond to general and specific enquiries on planning related matters from members of the public and to provide advice on householder development at planning advice surgeries.
• To respond to preliminary enquiries in respect of development within the National Park Authority area.
• To liaise with the Enforcement team in all matters relating to unauthorised development within the area.
• To undertake research, preparation and submission of appeal documents in relation to written representation, appeals and informal hearings under supervision of the Principal Planning Officer.
• To contribute to the review of the Local Development Plan (LDP) process.
• To contribute to policy development in an Authority that wants its LDP to be innovative and inclusive.
• Any other related duties and responsibilities appropriate to the postholder s remit and grading level within the organisation as determined by the Head of Development Management

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

• A recognised planning qualification, degree or equivalent in Town and Country Planning or a related discipline or working towards such a qualification. (NB The Authority can offer assistance with this learning in the form of day release )
• Eligible for membership of RTPI or working towards full membership
• A sound knowledge of planning and related legislation and procedures or an aptitude for learning
• An ability to provide coherent, competent and professional advice both written and verbal
• An ability to demonstrate organisational and interpersonal skills required to meet deadlines and for presentation of reports to appropriate meetings
• An ability to work as part of a team to promote the purposes of the National Park Authority
• A good telephone manner and ability to deal diplomatically with the public, National Park Members and staff
• Clean driving licence
• Welsh Language Level 1

Desirable Criteria

• A knowledge of Information Technology and ability to use database and word processing systems
• A willingness to attend public meetings outside of office hours
• A willingness to attend occasional training courses requiring overnight accommodation away from home
• Welsh Language Level 2

Note on Welsh Language Requirement Please note: If you do not meet the Welsh language Requirements specified, then the Authority offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these requirements during your employment with us.