Planning Officer

• Employer: Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council
• Salary: £36,363 to £39,152 plus benefits
• Location: Wirral, Mallory, 2 Alice Ker Square, Hybrid Working
• Contract: Temporary
• Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time
• Hours: 36 hours per week.
• DBS Check: No
• Closing Date: 06/09/2026 at 23:59
• Reference: R&P/26/343166

Wirral Council is a values-driven organisation where employees are empowered to "#Be The Difference " and help create fairer opportunities for residents. Set in one of the happiest and most scenic areas in the UK, the Council offers an inspiring place to live and work, with a strong commitment to supporting staff and delivering ambitious plans for the borough's future. Joining Wirral Council means becoming part of a dedicated, forward-thinking team that is truly valued and encouraged to thrive.

As a Planning Officer you will determine a broad range of planning applications as well as dealing pre-application and post application matters. You will understand how to assess the planning merits of each application and apply planning policy and guidance to the proposed form of development. There will be opportunity to work alongside Senior Planning Officers dealing with major planning applications and to get involved with our Regeneration schemes.

You will assist in the undertaking of all aspects of processing planning applications and dealing with pre-application enquiries, in accordance with set performance targets and with appropriate supervision including acting as case officer for planning applications, carrying out the functions required by the post holder to process such applications in an effective and timely manner, including validation, consultation, evaluation, and recommendation preparation of reports for Planning Committee and on delegated items in connection with the above.

The role undertakes site inspections to liaise with other sections and departments of the Council and outside bodies/organisations as appropriate and provide advice, information and assistance to Ward Councillors and the public on planning applications and related matters with support to prepare written evidence for appeals, including informal hearings when appropriate.

You will be responsible for managing and responding to pre-application enquiries and correspondence in accordance with the Department's policy and may be required to attend meetings both internal and external and requires effective working knowledge on current interpretation and implementation of national, regional, and local planning laws and regulations.

The postholder will also need to be able to travel around the borough to conduct site visits as your knowledge and experience develops

We are looking for someone who is hard working and keen to gain knowledge and experience in working in a Development Management team within Local Government. You will demonstrate an understanding of the planning system and the role you must play.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. For this vacancy, candidates must have an existing right to work in the UK before commencing employment. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not available for this post. Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process.

You’ll also want to know what it's like to work here so, as a start:

Our values are more than just pieces of paper on our walls! We've all played a role in developing these, so they reflect the immense pride we have in what we do, what matters to us, what inspires us and inform how we think, approach things and behave.

We believe in ensuring staff are well looked after, staff wellbeing is a priority for us. We're serious about recognising and rewarding people for the great things they do. You'll benefit from our track record of developing, growing and investing in our people.

We have a range of staff benefits including staff discounts, enrolment into the local government pension scheme (an excellent defined benefit scheme), immediate life cover and ill-health protection. We have a strong flexible working approach, hybrid…