Planning Officer

Job Summary

Process a wide range of planning applications, including householder, full planning, advertisement applications, Listed Building Consents and Conservation Area Consents, and make recommendations on appropriate courses of action.

Prepare detailed reports on planning proposals and draft decision notices.

Prepare and submit appeal questionnaires and statements, representing the Council's position where required.

Provide evidence at public inquiries, appeal hearings and other planning proceedings.

Advise statutory consultees, Council officers, applicants, agents, elected Members and members of the public throughout all stages of the development management process.

Provide guidance on current planning legislation, development management practices, policies and procedures.

Investigate alleged breaches of planning control and undertake enforcement activities to ensure compliance with planning legislation.

Manage and respond to correspondence and enquiries relating to planning matters in a timely and professional manner.

Liaise with internal departments and external agencies to facilitate the effective determination of planning applications and enforcement cases.

Essential Requirements

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also demonstrating the initiative and self-motivation to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate tactfully and diplomatically in challenging situations.
• Ability to respond positively and sensitively when dealing with individuals who may be upset, distressed, angry or confrontational.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
• Willingness to take responsibility and make sound, informed decisions.
• Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to work constructively with developers, applicants, consultees and other interested parties to achieve positive outcomes.
• Ability to mediate between conflicting interests and facilitate balanced, practical solutions.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, elected Members, external agencies and members of the public.

About You

You will deal with a varied and interesting caseload of predominantly householder and minor commercial schemes within the Development Management Team, drawing upon your knowledge and experience of processing and managing planning applications and projects. You will be required to interpret the complexities of permitted development legislation and interact with a range of agencies, organisations and internal departments. The post also includes an element of planning enforcement work.

For the role of Planning Officer, you will need:

• Experience of dealing with minor and other categories of planning applications, as well as householder applications.
• Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of planning law and practice.
• A recognised qualification in Town Planning or substantial experience gained within the planning profession.
• Full Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) membership, or a willingness to work towards full membership, together with a commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).
• Good computer literacy skills.
• The ability to manage a caseload of applications effectively.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• You will be required to attend regular Planning Committee meetings and undertake site visits, so flexibility, a full driving licence and access to a car are essential.
• You will also need to be able to travel independently throughout the Borough.

For more information about working for Sandwell Council, our recruitment process and our offer to you please visit

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