Role Summary & Benefits

About you:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Planning Officer to join our Development Management team and help shape a city consistently rated as one of the best places to live, work and study in the UK. We are looking for a knowledgeable and skilled professional, with a degree in Town and Country Planning, Architecture or a related discipline, and experience of working in the planning field. You will understand a range of planning issues and be confident communicating with varied audiences, managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality development. Strong organisational skills, the ability to work under pressure and a flexible approach are essential, alongside a commitment to conserving Exeter’s heritage and green spaces.

About the role:

As a Planning Officer, you will manage a caseload of more than 30 planning applications, including householder proposals, Lawful Development Certificates and minor development schemes. You will consider the planning challenges facing the city, from protecting heritage assets and green spaces to securing high-quality development that enhance Exeter’s special character.

You will provide advice and guidance to customers, manage appeals, including written representations and informal hearings, and help investigate unauthorised works. The role will also involve presenting schemes to councillors in an informal setting and working collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.

Alongside day-to-day casework, you will have opportunities to contribute to policy development that helps shape Exeter’s future. If you are passionate about planning excellence and creating positive change, this role offers the chance to advance your career while making a lasting difference to the city.

Grade G Plus Market supplement £5,442

About the team:

You will join the Development Management team within City Development, which is dedicated to delivering excellent planning services while protecting Exeter’s unique character. You will work closely with colleagues across the wider team and specialists in urban design, historic buildings, archaeology, ecology and trees. We offer a collaborative environment that values expertise, passion and public service, with opportunities for professional growth through on-the-job training, in-house mentoring and support as you work in the role, giving you the chance to make a meaningful impact on the city.

What next?

If we sound like the right fit for you and you feel like the right fit for us we would welcome your application. Please click on the Apply button at the bottom of this page.

Alternatively if you would like to find out more about the post, the team or working with us at the Council please contact Hayley Stokes on hayley.stokes@exeter.gov.uk .

We reserve the right to close any vacancy before the closing date if enough applications are received.

Our commitment

At Exeter City Council we are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve.

To support this commitment we will strive to implement reasonable adjustments to support any members of our communities who face barriers in recruitment processes, irrespective of the reason.

We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.