Planning Officer – Maldon District Council

Essex County Council; Great Holland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Maldon District Council seeks a Planning Officer on a three-month temporary basis, with a requirement to attend site two days per week. The role supports the planning team in delivering high-quality services balancing community, environment, and regulatory needs.

Location: Maldon. Salary: £35.00 per hour (umbrella). Closing Date: 26 October 2026. Essex County Council are assisting Maldon District Council with recruitment.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Planning or related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Eligibility to work towards MRTPI or equivalent professional body.
• Understanding of the planning system, legislation, and local/national policies.
• Awareness of sustainable development principles in a local authority context.
• Knowledge of customer service standards in the public sector.
• Understanding of data protection and information management principles.
• Familiarity with planning procedures, consultations, enforcement and community engagement.
• Desirable: GIS and IT tools usage.

Responsibilities

• Assess and process planning applications in line with policy and guidance.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for Members, developers and the public.
• Support development of planning policies and projects for sustainable growth.
• Maintain planning databases and ensure data protection compliance.
• Contribute to consultations with internal teams and external agencies.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within planning service.
• Develop professional knowledge and assist senior planners on projects.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Data protection awareness

Public sector customer service

GIS familiarity

Education

Undergraduate degree in Planning or related discipline

MRTPI eligibility or equivalent professional qualification

Tools

GIS

IT systems / databases

Job description

Planning Officer - Maldon District Council

Maldon District Council

Temporary, Full Time

£35.00 per hour (umbrella)

Location: Maldon

Closing Date: 26th October 2026

Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Maldon District Council to recruit a Planning Officer on a three-month temporary basis. Please note that this role requires 2 days a week site attendance.

Role Purpose:

To provide a range of timely and effective guidance, ensuring compliance, good practice, risk management and enabling the Council to deliver for its customers.

• To support the planning team in delivering high-quality planning services that balance community, environmental, and regulatory considerations.


• The assessment and processing of planning applications, ensuring compliance with legislation, local policies, and national planning guidance.


• The preparation of reports, recommendations, and planning advice for internal and external stakeholders, including Members, developers, and the public.


• To support the development and delivery of planning strategies, policies, and projects that enable sustainable growth and positive community outcomes.


• To maintain accurate records and databases, ensuring information is up-to-date, accessible, and compliant with data protection requirements.

Key Accountabilities:

• The assessment and processing of planning applications, ensuring adherence to relevant legislation, policies, and guidance.


• Prepare reports, recommendations, and supporting documentation for internal and external stakeholders, including Members, developers, and the public.


• Support the implementation and development of local planning policies, strategies, and projects to deliver sustainable development outcomes.


• Maintain accurate records and planning databases, ensuring information is up-to-date, accessible, and compliant with data protection requirements.


• Contribute to consultations with internal teams, external agencies, and community stakeholders, providing advice and guidance as required.


• Identify opportunities for process improvements, supporting initiatives to enhance efficiency, customer service, and compliance within the planning service.


• Develop professional knowledge and expertise in planning practice, legislation, and policy, applying learning to support effective decision-making.


• Provide professional support to more senior planners and contribute to collaborative team projects, including research, data analysis, and policy development

The Experience You Will Bring:

• An undergraduate degree in Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.


• Eligibility to work towards Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or equivalent professional body.


• Understanding of the planning system, relevant legislation, and national and local planning policies.


• Awareness of sustainable development principles and their application in a local authority context.


• Knowledge of customer service standards and approaches in a public sector environment.


• Understanding of data protection and information management principles.


• Awareness of planning procedures, including consultations, enforcement, and community engagement.


• Familiarity with digital systems, GIS, and other IT tools used in planning service delivery is desirable.