Planning Officer

This is an exciting time to join Wakefield Council's Planning Services Development Management team. We are seeking a Planning Officer to manage a caseload of planning applications and development proposals, ensuring a high‑quality and efficient service. You will conduct site inspections, negotiate with applicants and agents, prepare detailed reports for delegated decisions, and support planning appeals and general public queries.

We offer a supportive working environment, a new city‑centre office, flexible working arrangements, discounted travel, and access to Council pool cars.

• Collaborate with monitoring and enforcement staff to ensure developments are monitored.
• Assist in preparing reports and supporting investigations and enforcement actions regarding unauthorised developments.
• Assist with the administrative aspects of the development management process.
• Liaise with external bodies and organisations to co‑ordinate planning efforts and maintain communication channels.

• Working towards full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
• Knowledge of planning issues and relevant planning laws.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• A degree or equivalent.
• A full, valid driving licence.

• A competitive salary.
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave.
• Hybrid working (subject to role suitability).
• Access to high‑quality training programmes to advance your career to the next level.
• Commitment to supporting staff wellbeing with good work‑life balance and supportive leadership.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited, Metro Card).
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme.
• Additional benefits such as an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to leisure facilities with a free 12‑week exercise programme, discounts for retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle‑to‑work scheme, and many more.