Planning Officer

£38,949 to £42,500 inclusive annual salary, plus £1,500 annual market supplement, essential car user allowance, and up to 19.7 percent employer pension contribution

Permanent

Full-time (37 hours/week)

Flexible working options including hybrid

Job ref: P1512

About the role

We are looking for talented individuals who can contribute to the delivery of a high performing customer focused service.  

We welcome applications from candidates with Licentiate membership of the RTPI or who are eligible for membership and have demonstrable experience of working on a range of planning cases involving Conservation Areas, Listed Building and minor developments.

The Planning Officer will be responsible for determining a diverse range of planning applications and appeal work, developing your knowledge of planning related legislation and delivering positive outcomes to our customers and residents.

Our Officers take a lead on the consideration and negotiation of planning applications and provide professional expertise at Committees, Planning Appeals and Enforcement cases as required. This includes making delegated decisions, presenting to committees, engaging with colleagues, Councillors and other stakeholders to ensure the right planning outcome.

About you

As a Planning Officer, you will deal with a range of applications as part of the Development Management Team.

The ideal candidate needs to be a strong team player who is well organised, articulate in spoken and written communication and able to take the initiative to help drive forward individual projects and the team’s overall objectives. 

St Albans is a unique English Cathedral City with a colourful history which can be seen in the Roman remains and variety of beautiful architecture, heritage sites and conservation areas. Set within green belt, off the M25, A1M and M1 the District includes a cathedral, vibrant city centre and thriving villages. Our centrally located offices in the city are near to the station (London St Pancras 20 minutes), shops and restaurants. In short it is a great place to live and work.

In addition to working within a great team and a comprehensive salary you will have access to:

• 28.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays.
• Please note: annual leave will be pro-rated for anyone who does not have a standard full-time pattern of 37 hours over 5 days, e.g. part-timers. Local Government Pension Scheme with current employer contribution up to 19.7 percent employer contributions. 
• Flexible working options. 
• Staff Parking Permit.
• Reimbursement of professional fees.
• Comprehensive development and training.
• Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres.
• Access to discounts and benefits via online platform. 
  
   

Additional Information 

• Disability Confident

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the post. 

• Disclosure Checks

This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check. 

English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here. 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

Sarah Smith, Team Leader or Gillian Donald, Team Leader at  [email protected]or [email protected]

To apply:

 

• Please select the apply button on the vacancy and follow the steps below:
• Complete an online application and in the supporting statement section, ensure you explain what you would bring to the role and how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification. 

 

A detailed job description and person specification are published on the advert for this role. The person specification sets out the criteria we use to assess applicants. The Council reserves the right to reject applicants at the shortlisting stage, where the application process has not been completed correctly. 

For full details and to learn more about us visit Jobs and Careers or email [email protected]or telephone (01727) 819251 stating your details and the post reference number. 

Closing date for applications: Monday 5 January 2026.

(please do submit your application as soon as possible so we can begin our selection process)

Interview date: To be confirmed

NOTE:  Interviews are conducted throughout the application process.  We reserve the right to close the vacancy at an earlier date and we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.