My Public Sector Client based in Durham requires a Planning Officer to join their busy area-based development management teams. The role will be working right through until the end of July 2025, with a possibility to extend. The successful candidate will report to the Principal Planning Officer and will contribute to the delivery of the planning (including enforcement) service. They will help to ensure that the service effectively engages with its customers, including the general public, communities, applicants, stakeholders and the development industry in the planning service; and this may include attending community consultation events and Town and Parish meetings as appropriate to support senior officers and management. You will deal with a case load of planning applications and related planning matters including some of a major or contentious nature and may be expected to attend Council meetings, including Planning Committee meetings to support senior officers or managers in their presentation of reports in relation to planning matters. Duties and Responsibilities will include: To process a wide range of planning applications, including some of a major or contentious nature, through the preparation of written reports, in accordance with Council policies, relevant Government legislation and guidance, as well as other appropriate policies and planning considerations. To prepare and present Planning Appeal Statements for the Authority and represent the Council at subsequent hearing as required. To assist senior officers in presenting the Council's case at Inquiries. The provision of technical advice and guidance to potential Developers, Members of the Council and the general public. The provision of professional advice and guidance to potential Developers, Members of the Council and the general public and to carry out negotiations with applicants ensuring that Council policy and practices with regard to pre-application enquiries, including those relating to performance management, are adhered to. To undertake enforcement investigations relating to non-compliance with planning conditions and breaches of planning control. To support senior officers by attending public exhibitions, meetings, including with community groups, Town and Parish Council's and the AAP for a locality to advise communities on planning issues. The above is not exhaustive and the post holder will be expected to undertake any duties which may reasonably fall within the level of responsibility and the competence of the post as directed by the Principal Planning Officer. Subject to the specific department the role operates according to their flexible working policy. The post holder will need to be educated to a degree level in a relevant Town Planning qualification or significant recent experience in the sector. You will also need to demonstrate knowledge of all planning legislation and process/procedures in Town Planning. The hourly rate for the role is £17.11 per hour Please apply with your CV in the first instance to (url removed) Barker Ross Group values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application. For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business