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Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team is diverse, handling a broad spectrum of planning-related matters. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, sustainable development across the county, supporting the council's growth ambitions through early engagement and a pragmatic approach.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As a Senior Planning Officer, you will be involved in managing complex planning applications, from pre-application advice to final decisions and appeals. Your expertise will support large-scale housing developments, commercial projects, infrastructure proposals, renewable energy initiatives, and minerals and waste developments. You will also have the opportunity to lead major projects and supervise junior officers, making a significant contribution to the planning landscape of Durham.

For more information about our Planning Development Management Service, visit Working in Planning Development Management.

We encourage you to contact Steven Pilkington, Strategic Development Manager via email at steven.pilkington@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

• Educated to Degree level or equivalent in a relevant town planning qualification (G11) and have aProfessional qualification (RTPI) (G12).
• Proven experience in planning and development management, with a solid understanding of planning policies and procedures.
• The ability to work effectively on complex and large-scale projects.
• A passion for delivering high-quality, sustainable development in diverse environments.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to engage with developers, stakeholders, and the public.

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

WHY JOIN US?

• A Strong Team: Our Development Management team is dedicated to making a real impact on the growth and development of Durham. We handle around 4,000 planning applications annually, covering a range of exciting environments, including the Durham Dales, the Durham City World Heritage Site, and the stunning Heritage Coastline, as well as the towns and villages in between.
• Career Growth: Durham County Council offers a fantastic opportunity to advance your career in Planning. Whether you are seeking to progress your career or looking for your next challenge, we will support you to achieve your goals. As a Senior Planning Officer, you’ll have the opportunity to shape major projects, mentor junior officers, and gain exposure to complex planning proposals.
• Benefits & Flexibility: We offer a competitive salary, up to 32 days of annual leave, and the excellent Local Government Pension Scheme. Our flexible working options, including home and office-based working from our new and modern office accommodation at Corten House in Durham city, ensure a great work-life balance.

HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.

Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.

INTERVIEWS
Interviews are scheduled to be held week commencing 28 July 2025.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk or telephone 03000 262727 – Option 5.

BENEFITS AND REWARDS
We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:

• Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
• Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
• Hybrid working (home and office working).
• Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
• Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
• Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
• Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
• Discounted DCC gym membership.
• Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
• Trade Union membership.
• A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits

HYBRID WORKING
Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.

We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.

Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS POST WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU HAVE REGISTERED WITH NORTH EAST JOBS, INCLUDING YOUR INVITE TO INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOTIFICATION FROM DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK AS YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY ANY OTHER MEANS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL

We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf

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