Assistant Planner Jobs

An Assistant Planner is an entry‑level town planning role within UK local authorities and public sector planning bodies. The position supports Planning Officers and Senior Planners in assessing applications, preparing reports, conducting research and providing planning advice. Assistant Planners often work across development management, planning policy, regeneration and conservation teams depending on the authority’s structure.

This role is ideal for graduates, early‑career planners or individuals progressing from technical or administrative planning roles. It provides essential grounding in planning legislation, policy interpretation, report writing and stakeholder engagement.

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Main Responsibilities

• Assist in processing minor and householder planning applications
• Prepare draft reports and recommendations for senior staff
• Carry out research on planning policy, site history and constraints
• Provide basic planning advice to applicants and residents
• Support consultation processes and community engagement
• Help monitor development compliance and enforcement cases

Typical Employers

• Local authorities
• Combined authorities
• GLA, OPDC, LLDC and public sector planning bodies
• Public sector regeneration organisations

Salary Range

Assistant Planner salaries typically range from £24,000 to £32,000, depending on location, experience and authority type. London and major urban authorities often offer higher starting bands.

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Progression Routes

• Planning Officer
• Senior Planner
• Principal Planner
• Planning Policy Officer

Related Job Titles

• Graduate Planner
• Planning Technician
• Development Monitoring Officer

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https://www.planningjobs.com/