Halton’s Planning team are looking for an Assistant Planning Officer. Working alongside a team of experienced planners you would support the work of the Policy and Development Services Division. Working as a member of a team of professional planning officers you would be involved in managing a complex caseload of planning applications and related matters. ABOUT THE JOB As the Assistant Planning Officer, you will contribute to the work of the Planning and Development Services Division managing a caseload of planning applications and related matters such as pre-application advice. You will determine whether development proposals require planning/advertisement or listed building consent, with reference to the appropriate legislation. You will provide planning advice, prepare reports and review policy documents. The post holder will be a values member of the team and support officers dealing with a wide range of planning and related work and will be expected to operate flexibly within that context. ABOUT YOU The successful postholder will have a degree or equivalent in Town Planning or related discipline as well as experience in processing of minor planning applications and the development control process. You will have Knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Town and Country Planning Act, permitted development regulations. Ideally, the post holder will have eligibility for Membership of the RTPI however this is not essential for the post. This is an excellent opportunity for you to develop your career in a supportive and team orientated environment. ABOUT US Halton has amenities, attractions and activities in abundance. The area offers endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, with three canals and miles of footpaths right on our doorstep. We have a track record of delivering major projects and regeneration initiatives, and from a planning perspective, we have endless opportunities with the Mersey Gateway and the town deal funding. Not only do we have urban areas and regeneration, but our borough covers green belt areas too which is exciting for those wanting to further their planning career. The overarching Council vision is “Halton will be a thriving and vibrant borough where people can learn and develop their skills, enjoy a good quality of life with good health; a high quality, modern urban environment; the opportunity for all to fulfil their potential; greater wealth and equality; sustained by a thriving business community; and within safer, stronger and more attractive neighbourhoods” – The planning service is key to delivering this vision Our Offer We provide a generous benefits package along with a flexible family-friendly working culture, the council operates flexi-time and 1.5 days can be taken per month. Due to the nature of the service candidates will be required to work 2 days per week in the office Here are some of our benefits: A generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long service Membership of our defined benefit, salary-linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions 3 x Salary Life Cover via Local Government Pension Scheme Investment in your personal development Free Car Parking at HBC sites Flexible working arrangements Car leasing schemes APPLICATION PROCESS We wish to make the application process as straightforward as possible, so we just ask that you upload your CV and submit a personal statement. If you require any further information about the role please contact the recruiting manaager, Glen Henry (Principal Team Lead) at Glen.Henryhalton.gov.uk Interviews will take place in April 2025 At Halton Borough Council we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce and a vital part of this is to encourage diversity in all respects. We are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and tailored to best suit the needs and strength of the individual. This includes making adjustments for people with a disability, neurodiversity or with long-term health conditions. If you require accommodations, please reach out during the recruitment process so that we can make this the best possible experience for you – resourcinghalton.gov.uk Please refer to the attached Job Profile for further information about the role and our values. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. If you’re interested, please complete your application as early as possible. We look forward to receiving your application