Planning Officer – EK

Darlington Borough Council

Darlington Borough Council is looking for a Planning Officer to support the delivery of planning services and help shape the future development of the local area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess planning applications and provide professional planning advice and recommendations.
• Contribute to the development, review and monitoring of Local Plans and planning policies.
• Support housing, regeneration and development projects.
• Prepare reports for planning committees, meetings and other stakeholders.
• Assist with planning enforcement and monitoring compliance with planning regulations.
• Provide advice on conservation, listed buildings, urban design and sustainable development.
• Work with council departments, developers, residents and external partners.
• Contribute to research, surveys, project management and service improvements.

Essential Requirements:

• A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification in Planning.
• Knowledge of local authority statutory planning duties and relevant legislation.
• Experience in planning, development management or planning policy, appropriate to the grade.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.
• Ability to analyse complex information, manage competing deadlines and work independently.
• Good stakeholder management, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to travel independently for work purposes.

Desirable:

• Chartered Town Planner status.
• Experience of working with elected Members, preparing committee reports and liaising with partners, particularly for the higher grade.

Experience Levels:

• Band 8: Approximately one year of relevant planning experience.
• Band 9: Approximately three years of post-qualification planning experience.
• Band 11: Approximately five years of post-qualification planning experience, with the ability to manage complex cases and planning policy work independently.

If you have a background in town planning, development management or planning policy and are looking for an opportunity to contribute to the development of a local community, we would welcome your application.