The Role
The role of a Planning Technician is to support colleagues and senior professional and managerial staff in the provision of Development Management services, by providing technical expertise and assisting in the processing and appraisal of planning applications.
You will undertake a range of functions relating to the processing of planning applications, including undertaking site visits, collecting evidence and assisting with assessment of proposals, and assisting with the servicing of Planning Committees.
You will also provide technical support and assistance to professional officers as required in preparing for planning appeals, including completion of appeal questionnaires, compilation of appeal documentation, and research and background work for preparation of appeal statements and proofs.
Role Requirements
You must have a good standard of general education. Preferably, experience and understanding of working in a planning service and a sound knowledge and understanding of Development Management processes and procedures, although this is not essential.
Extensive experience in using Microsoft Office, Oracle applications and a sound knowledge and understanding of spatial planning data and GIS systems, particularly as they relate to the processing of planning applications and managing environmental information.
You will be required to travel to development sites and other work areas therefore you must be able to meet the transport requirements of this post.
You must hold a current UK driving licence
For further information about this vacancy, please contact Judith Murphy at
Judith.murphy@northumberland.gov.uk. Leave your contact details and Judith will call you for an informal discussion.
What we are offering
We have some outstanding benefits to offer you, including:
A starting salary of £26,421 rising to £28,770 (Band 5)
26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
Flexi scheme (if applicable) - up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees)
Local government discount schemes available to all employees with offers at local businesses along with various national brands
Commitment to work/life balance offering flexibility through various schemes including job sharing, flexible working, term-time only, and compressed hours
A range of salary sacrifice schemes are available
Staff networks - run by staff, for staff, providing opportunities for peer networking, mutual support, staff development e.g. Apprenticeship, Armed Forces, ASD, Enable (disability), LGBT+, Menopause, Mental Wellbeing, Racial Equality
Further information
Please note that this is a permanent position but applications on a secondment or part-time basis would be considered for the right applicant.
For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the attached guidance notes.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you wish to notify us of your eligibility for this scheme, please email hrrecruitment@northumberland.gov.uk or ring 01670 623930 with your name and the job title you have applied for and one of the recruitment team will ensure this is factored into the shortlisting process and kept anonymous. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.
Alternative application format: British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930 Although we advertise on North East Jobs, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.