Planning Support Officer

Publica Group Limited; Coleford; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization as a Planning Support Officer, where you'll assist in ensuring planning applications are complete and ready for consideration. This role requires strong communication skills and attention to detail, contributing to the improvement of the Forest of Dean district. Enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

27 days paid annual leave

Health cash plan

Pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Salary sacrifice electric car lease scheme

Generous sickness cover and income protection

Life assurance (4x your salary)

Qualifications

• Experience dealing with professionals and the public in a customer service setting.
• Organized with good attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Register planning applications promptly.
• Check plans and technical documents.
• Handle fees, payments, and receipts via telephone and email.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Flexibility

Education

NVQ Level 1 or GCSE in Maths and English

Tools

IT Skills

Job description

Do you have excellent written and communication skills? Are you looking to expand or gain experience in Administration?

An exciting opportunity to join Forest of Dean District Council!

Our district is a special place, and we are seeking candidates who will help us improve it, making it an even better place to live, learn, do business, and enjoy. We aim to preserve its rich cultural and economic heritage while building on its reputation as an aspirational area that nurtures amazing people.

We envision the Forest of Dean district as a place where residents enjoy a fantastic work-life balance and feel secure in their communities—attracting industry amidst its natural landscapes. Join us to celebrate this wonderful area—its towns, communities—and help them thrive by delivering quality, well-paid jobs, enhancing education, improving housing options, and increasing social mobility for our young people.

About the role…

We are looking for a Planning Support Officer to work in partnership with customers, consultees, and council members to ensure planning applications are complete and ready for proper consideration.

You should be organized with good attention to detail, as responsibilities include registering planning applications promptly, checking plans and technical documents, and handling fees, payments, and receipts via telephone and email.

You will also assist other officers in delivering the service. Good communication skills and teamwork are essential for success in this role.

You will need…

• Qualifications equivalent to NVQ Level 1 or GCSE in Maths and English
• Knowledge of issues affecting Planning
• Experience dealing with professionals and the public in a customer service setting
• Good IT skills
• Flexibility to work at other offices as required

For more information, please see the Job Description/Person Specification.

Publica Group Ltd employs this role. Publica was created by four partner councils (Forest of Dean District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, Cotswold District Council, and Cheltenham Borough Council) to deliver efficient, improved services.

Publica is a unique, innovative organization committed to transforming local service delivery by rethinking service design in the digital age, driven by real user needs.

What we offer…

• Flexible working arrangements, including a mix of home and office work
• 27 days paid annual leave (pro-rata for part-time), plus bank holidays and two volunteering days annually
• Health cash plan with cashback on health, dental, and eye care
• Pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice electric car lease scheme with tax savings
• Generous sickness cover and income protection
• Life assurance (4x your salary)

To apply, click 'apply now' on this page, complete the application form, and submit your CV along with a supporting statement detailing your skills, experience, and why you want to work with us. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Please mention your disability status if applicable, as we are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee interviews for qualified disabled applicants.

Our organization is committed to safeguarding vulnerable groups. Successful candidates will undergo a pre-employment medical, provide references, proof of identity, and other relevant documentation, including criminal record verification where applicable.