Assistant Planning Officer
£24,836- £26,717 per annum (plus pay award)
Cirencester/agile working
Permanent contract
Are you looking to start or grow your career in planning?
We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Planning Officer to join our friendly and dynamic Development Management team within Planning Services. This role is ideal for someone with a keen analytical mind, excellent communication skills, and a passion for shaping the local environment. You’ll be working on a variety of applications — from housing developments to small-scale agricultural and commercial schemes — in an area rich with heritage, national landscapes, and historic sites.
You’ll be supported and mentored by a Senior Planning Officer, with opportunities to learn through informal shadowing, site visits, and involvement in larger projects as your confidence grows. You’ll join an immediate team of five within a wider planning services team of around 40 professionals, including development management, natural and built environment, and policy specialists. This role offers a fantastic introduction to planning for a graduate or anyone looking to build a career in this field. Over time, you’ll develop your technical expertise, build strong relationships with residents, council members, and developers, and gain exposure to significant local projects such as The Steadings housing development in Cirencester.
We’re looking for someone with strong organisational skills, who can manage a busy caseload and work independently while contributing to team goals. You’ll have a head for analysis, a talent for clear written and verbal communication, and a proactive approach to delivering excellent service. In return, we’ll provide a supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and make a genuine impact on the local area.
You will need
• A minimum qualification equivalent to NVQ level 3 or A level, and/or three years relevant experience
• Experience of working flexibly as part of a team and collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders
• Deliver commitments and take ownership of own caseload, reshaping of plans to deliver required outcomes
• Ability to work independently under pressure and within tight deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Competent in using a range of technology and software packages, including Microsoft and Microsoft Teams
Special Conditions
• Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes
Advert Closing Date: 11th November 2025
Interview date: 20th and 21st November 2025
What can we do for you
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working.
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role).
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 29 days after five years of service.
- In addition, you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice.
- Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care.
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars.
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements.
Terms and conditions apply.
These are just a handful of the benefits that you can enjoy when you join us!