Assistant Planner

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. Manage a varied caseload of planning applications, from householder and minor developments to complex proposals .

Posted 10/8/2026full-timeLowestoft • United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £25,598 - £42,839 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong understanding of planning principles, planning law, and development management while effectively managing a varied caseload and producing clear, well-reasoned reports. Engages with stakeholders and supports planning processes, including appeals and enforcement investigations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Planning PrinciplesChartered Membership of RTPIPlanning LawMicrosoft Office ProficiencyNegotiation Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Planning Application AssessmentReport PreparationDecision Notice DraftingSite InspectionEnvironmental Assessment KnowledgePlanning Policy UnderstandingDevelopment ManagementEnforcement MattersAnalytical ThinkingProblem-Solving

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationOrganizational SkillsTeam CollaborationJudgmentFlexibility

Tools & Technologies

UniformIDOXGIS

Certifications & Qualifications

RTPI Membership Qualification

Industry Keywords

Planning ApplicationsPublic Sector PlanningPrivate Sector PlanningPlanning AppealsHeritageTree WorkCondition Monitoring

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage a varied caseload of planning applications, from householder and minor developments to complex proposals
Provide pre-application advice
Engage with applicants, developers, agents, consultees and legal representatives
Collaborate across Council services to deliver high-quality development outcomes
Undertake site visits
Assess planning applications
Prepare delegated and committee reports
Draft decision notices
Negotiate planning obligations
Present at Planning Committee
Support planning appeals and enforcement investigations
Provide professional planning advice to internal stakeholders
Support elected Members and colleagues
Respond to public enquiries
Maintain accurate records in line with established procedures
Contribute to planning enforcement, heritage, tree work, complaint investigation and condition monitoring
Promote the Council’s values and objectives
Work towards a recognised professional planning qualification and progress within the service

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience working in a planning-related environment within either the public or private sector
Strong understanding of planning principles and practice
Experience supporting progression towards, or achievement of, Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
Sound knowledge of planning law, planning policy, development management, enforcement matters, planning appeals and associated legislation
Understanding of environmental assessment processes and the challenges facing urban and rural communities
Ability to manage a varied workload and analyse complex information to produce clear, accurate and well-reasoned reports
Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgement, and logical and analytical thinking
Excellent communication skills and ability to engage with elected Members, applicants, developers, external agencies and members of the public
Experience presenting reports, providing formal evidence and negotiating positive outcomes highly valued
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Ideally, experience with planning and document management systems such as Uniform and IDOX
Knowledge of GIS
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and contribute effectively to a collaborative team
Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines
Qualifications required to access or achieve RTPI membership, depending on appointment level
Ability to travel independently and undertake site inspections
Flexibility to work outside normal office hours on occasion
Ability to work from East Suffolk House, Melton, and Riverside, Lowestoft, as business needs require

Benefits

Comp & perks

Great opportunities for training and development
Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 24 days a year, increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays)
Local government pension scheme
Free car parking (for when you are working in the office)
Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.
Mixture of home and office working, depending on individual preferences and service requirements
Support to undertake an RTPI-accredited Planning Master's degree
Support to achieve Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)