Planning Officer

NPT Pass; Wales; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is looking for two new planners to join their Development Management team in Wales. This role involves managing various planning applications, providing public advice, and ensuring quality outcomes in compliance with statutory requirements. The ideal candidates will have a relevant qualification and demonstrate strong communication and organization skills. The position offers a competitive salary and generous benefits, including a substantial pension contribution and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Employee Assistance Programme

Local Government Pension Scheme with 22.4% employer contributions

Discounted gym membership

Flexible working schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Exclusive discounts at local and national retailers

Qualifications

• Planning qualification to RTPI standard or equivalent planning experience.
• Ability to travel throughout the County Borough.
• Enthusiastic in delivering high quality development quickly.

Responsibilities

• Undertake all duties associated with statutory development management service.
• Process planning and other related applications efficiently.
• Prepare reports on planning and related applications.
• Provide advice to the public on planning applications.
• Negotiate the delivery of planning obligations.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer care commitment

Ability to manage caseload

Education

RTPI standard Planning qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Job reference REQ04610 Date posted 08/09/2025 Application closing date 31/10/2025 Location The Quays Salary £37,280.00 - £40,777.00 per annum plus a market pay supplement Package “Generous holiday entitlement, Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme with 22.4% employer contributions, discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure and excellent development opportunities.” Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Job category/type Planning and Enforcement

We are looking for 2 additional posts to complement the strong team already in place. These posts are aimed at attracting those who are seeking to progress their planning career, and those with experience and skills in mid-range planning applications, up to small major development proposals.

We are looking for Two New Planners to join our expanding Development Management team and gain significant experience of working within a progressive authority with opportunities to work closely with other professionals within the organisation and to develop your career in NPT.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to gain or build upon your experience and knowledge. You will have responsibility for dealing with queries regarding the need for planning permission and the likelihood of securing consent in addition to managing a mixed caseload of applications for development, including new housing, industrial and commercial, tourism and renewables and any associated appeals.

• To undertake all duties associated with the statutory development management service for the Authority and any associated appeals and enforcement, whilst securing quality and efficient outcomes.
• To undertake the processing of planning and other related applications, in accordance with the Sections purpose of approving quality development quickly.
• Carrying out of statutory and informal consultations and the advertising of applications including site notices.
• Informal consultation and negotiating with applicants, developers and other public and professional bodies.
• Preparation of Committee and Delegated reports on planning and other related applications. Attendance at site meetings.
• Providing advice to the public on planning and other related applications.
• To negotiate the delivery of planning obligations in accordance with National and Local policies as defined in the development plan and SPGs.
• To undertake the processing of planning appeals, including the preparation of appeal statements, attendance at site visits and giving evidence at hearings and public inquiries.
• To participate in the work of the Development Management Service.
• To undertake other duties as may be reasonably required.

Ideally you will have:

A Planning qualification to RTPI standard, or working towards qualification or equivalent Planning experience.

If you think that you have the necessary experience and/or qualifications for this role, we would love to hear from you.

You will also need excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills, and a strong commitment to customer care. It is also essential that you have the ability to travel throughout the County Borough.

You are highly motivated and enthusiastic in delivering high quality development quickly. You will also be able to work as part of a team, and on your own in managing a caseload of applications, together with a commitment for continual professional development.

We offer a range of attractive benefits, including:

• Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
• Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution
• Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
• Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
• Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Welsh Language Requirements:

Welsh Language skills are not required.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans.