Planning Officer

WMJobs; Worcester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Worcester City Council's Development Management Team as a planning officer, where you'll manage a varied caseload and ensure high-quality development in a vibrant urban area. This role offers the chance to grow your career, receive mentoring, and make a positive impact in the community. With flexible working options and a supportive team, it's an excellent environment for professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Remote working options

Local Government Pension Scheme

Training and ongoing professional development

Employee benefits including discounted leisure facilities

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Town Planning, Geography or a related subject.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in planning and the built environment.

Responsibilities

• Assessing and reporting on planning applications.
• Checking applications for validation.
• Managing conditions and post-decision matters.

Skills

Communication

Organisational Skills

Attention to Detail

Teamwork

Understanding of Design

Interest in Planning

Education

Degree in Town Planning, Geography or related subject

Job description

Worcester City Council,

Shape your future — and the future of Worcester

Now is a great time to join Worcester City Council’s Development Management Team. We’re moving forward with bold plans to create a more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive city. We’re looking for a motivated and enthusiastic planner to help make it happen.

Worcester is full of potential. We’re delivering growth that benefits everyone, with plans for new homes, jobs, infrastructure and green spaces. At the same time, we’re protecting the environment and tackling the challenges of climate change.

Whether you're starting your career or ready to take the next step, this is your chance to make a real impact. You’ll help shape high-quality development in a compact, fast-paced urban area. You’ll be part of a friendly and forward-thinking team that values fresh ideas and collaboration. From day one, you’ll get practical experience, mentoring, and support for your professional development.

Worcester isn’t just a great place to work, it’s also a great place to live. It offers award-winning parks, a thriving food and retail scene, top culture and sport, strong transport links, and a real sense of community. All in a compact, historic city with a modern outlook.

What We Offer

• Flexible working hours
• Remote and agile working options
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Training and ongoing professional development
• Employee benefits including discounted leisure facilities and retail offers
• City-centre offices, just five minutes from the train station
  
  
  

The Role

We’re looking for a well-organised and positive planning officer to join our Development Management team. You’ll manage a varied caseload, including householders, minor developments and other applications. You’ll help ensure development in the city is high-quality and well-designed.

Your work will include:

• Assessing and reporting on planning applications
• Checking applications for validation
• Taking part in pre-application discussions
• Managing conditions and post-decision matters
• Supporting appeals (written reps and hearings)
• Helping with planning enforcement when needed
  
  
  

This is a great opportunity to build skills in case management, negotiation, design appraisal and enforcement, with support from an experienced and helpful team.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Communicates clearly in writing and in person
• Is organised and pays attention to detail
• Works well both independently and in a team
• Understands the value of good design in urban areas
• Cares about creating better outcomes for people, places and the environment
  
  
  

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Degree (or equivalent) in Town Planning, Geography or a related subject
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in planning and the built environment
  
  
  

Desirable:

• Experience in a planning or development-related role (e.g. work placement, internship, graduate position or previous job)
• Understanding of how development management works in local government
  
  
  

If you’re ready to grow your career and help shape a fairer, greener and more dynamic Worcester we’d love to hear from you.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We would like to help you shine during this process. If you need any assistance with applying please contact the Recruitment team on [e-mail]. We can assist with alternative formats for your application or offer a MS Teams interview for example.

For further information about the role, please contact:

Paul Round, Service Manager - Development Management, at [e-mail].

Closing Date: 6th July 2025

Interview date: TBC

Attached documents

Our Benefits

Planning Officer - Role Profile