Assistant Planner

About Us:

Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford-on-Avon is one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, home to over 135,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year from across the globe.

We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses, and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work, and visit.

At the Council, our people are our superpower. By choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a great team where everyone feels that they truly belong, full of dedicated people working with passion and purpose across a dynamic portfolio of work providing high-quality services.

Benefits:

As part of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Flexibility:

• A minimum of 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
• Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role).
• Flexi-time scheme for a better work-life balance.

Lifestyle:

• Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses.
• Eye test voucher scheme.
• Everyone Active Gym Membership discount.

Professional Development:

• Training and Development opportunities.
• Payment of one professional subscription fee.

Financial Planning:

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future.
• Access to free Will writing services.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Salary Sacrifice schemes e.g. Cycle to Work.
• Free town centre parking.

What to Expect in the Role:

You will have responsibility for a caseload focused on householder applications and other types of minor applications including prior notifications, lawful development certificates, and advertisements.

You will be responsible for the accurate validation of applications, carrying out site visits, applying relevant policies and guidance, preparing delegated and committee reports, and issuing decisions.

You will be expected to show enthusiasm, drive, and a high level of personal organisational skills to manage a large volume of simpler applications. You will need good customer skills as the role involves regular contact with District Councillors, parish councils, and members of the public.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• To process and determine planning applications under the supervision of the Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader.
• Accurately validate applications.
• Liaise with colleagues, consultees, elected Members, and Parish Councils.
• To write accurate and concise reports to support recommendations.
• To provide high-quality advice by telephone as part of the ‘duty officer’ rota.

What You’ll Need:

• Ability to provide a high standard of customer care and be an effective communicator.
• Excellent written skills.
• Experience of working with plans and/or ability to interpret plans.
• Ability to prioritise tasks effectively to meet performance measures.
• Remain calm in difficult circumstances.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Helen Watson, Team Leader (Assistant Planners and Forestry), on tel number or email: hele

Applications will close at midnight on Sunday 23rd March 2025.

Interviews will be held the week beginning 31st March 2025.

To apply, please visit our website:
Stratford-on-Avon District Council - Current Vacancies or email

The Council is committed to equality of opportunity and aims to create a welcoming, inclusive workplace where we are all able to bring our whole selves to work and perform at our best.