Planning Officer - 37 Hours

Torbay Council; Torquay; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Learning and development

Local Government Pension Scheme

Job summary

Torbay Council is seeking a Planning Officer to join our Development Management Team, handling a varied caseload across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. You will assess applications, visit sites and prepare recommendations for delegated decisions and Planning Committee consideration.

You will work with applicants, agents and communities to shape sustainable development, while delivering regeneration and housing objectives within a supportive team and flexible hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant and demonstrable experience in Development Management.
• Experience presenting to planning committees or public inquiries.
• Degree or diploma in Planning, Architecture, Geography or related discipline.
• RTPI membership or progress toward it.

Responsibilities

• Assess planning applications and recommend decisions.
• Undertake site visits and negotiate improvements.
• Provide pre-application advice and handle post-decision matters.
• Contribute to regeneration, housing and environmental objectives.

Skills

Development Management

Planning Applications

Negotiation

Report Writing

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Planning/Architecture/Geography degree

RTPI membership or progress toward

Job description

Description

Job Description & Person Specification

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity within our Development Management Team for a Planning Officer.

Application Deadline: 7 October 2026

Department: Pride in Place

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £40,444 - £43,149 / year

About the role

As a Planning Officer within our fast-paced, innovative and supportive team, you will manage a varied caseload of planning applications and related development proposals across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. You will work with applicants, agents, businesses, local communities and elected Members to help shape sustainable development and deliver high quality outcomes for Torbay.

You will be responsible for assessing planning applications, undertaking site visits, negotiating improvements to development proposals and preparing recommendations for delegated decisions and Planning Committee consideration. The role also includes providing pre-application advice, dealing with post-decision matters and contributing towards the delivery of the Council's wider regeneration, housing and environmental objectives.

This is an exciting time to join the service. We are implementing major national planning reforms, delivering ambitious regeneration projects, utilising new digital technology, and supporting sustainable growth across the Bay.

The role can accommodate office-based or hybrid working depending on your preference. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including flexible working, a commitment to employee wellbeing, learning and development opportunities, and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Career Development and Professional Support

We are committed to investing in our staff and supporting their long-term career development.

Whether you are an experienced planning professional or looking to take the next step in your planning career, you will have access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities. This includes support towards achieving and maintaining RTPI membership, access to professional training, mentoring from experienced Officers, and opportunities to work on a diverse range of applications and regeneration projects across Torbay.

Torbay Council actively encourages career progression and offers a clear pathway for advancement within the Development Management service. We are proud of our track record of supporting officers to progress into more senior roles whilst developing specialist skills and professional expertise.

About you

We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic planning professional who is passionate about placemaking and delivering excellent customer service. You will have experience of, or a strong interest in, development management and planning legislation. You will be able to analyse complex information, communicate effectively with a range of audiences and produce clear and well-reasoned reports.

You will be a good team player with strong negotiation skills, attention to detail and a commitment to achieving high professional standards. A planning-related degree or relevant professional experience will be required, together with a desire to continue developing your planning career.

We welcome applications from planners at different stages of their professional career, including those working towards RTPI membership or seeking greater responsibility and career progression within a supportive and ambitious local planning authority.

About us

There has never been a better time to join our team at Torbay Council. We have real momentum building and a shared sense of purpose and ambition. Torbay is a fantastic place to live, work and visit, offering an unrivalled quality of life for individuals and families.

Our Development Management Team deals with a diverse range of proposals, from householder applications through to major regeneration schemes, providing excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression.

We want to see a healthy, happy and prosperous Torbay. If you do too, join us and be part of our #torbaystory.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/planning-officer/

For an informal chat please contact Jim Blackwell on 07827355310 or [e-mail].

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 19th October 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

At times there is a need to close our adverts earlier than the date specified, however this advert will not close before 25th September 2026. If you are keen to submit an application, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

Essential:

• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Report preparation skills.
• Able to see tasks through to a successful conclusion, meeting challenging deadlines whilst maintaining attention to detail.
• Willingness to maintain and improve standards and performance through implementation of good practice and personal development.
• Commitment to customer focus.

As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Knowledge

Essential:

• Able to demonstrate knowledge of planning legislation, government advice and policy, circulars and guidance notes and awareness of general issues facing the planning profession.
• Knowledge of the development management process from pre-application enquiry to post decision matters.
• Understanding of the importance of economic regeneration.
• Understanding of the role of sustainability, energy efficiency, design and other important planning considerations.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Relevant and demonstrable experience in Development Management.
• Experience of presenting to planning or other committees. Experience of preparing and / or presenting evidence, as expert witness, for public inquiries and other hearings.
• Degree or diploma in Planning, Architecture, Geography or a related discipline or significant relevant experience.
• Member, or equivalent, of Royal Town Planning Institute, or working towards membership, or an intention to pursue a career in spatial strategy or project management.