Assistant Planning Officer

Seemp; Hailsham; Hybrid; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Hailsham is seeking a Planning Officer to assist in processing applications and providing expert advice to stakeholders. The role requires experience in planning and customer service, as well as communication skills to navigate various demands. The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive salary, incremental progress, and opportunities for hybrid working within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Opportunities for professional development

Friendly, supportive team

Qualifications

• Experience in planning and the application of expert knowledge within a planning policy or development management context.
• Adept at speaking with conflicting demands and priorities.
• Proven ability to discuss proposals in a positive, constructive, and professional manner.

Responsibilities

• Preparing planning reports on development proposals.
• Providing advice and conducting negotiations to achieve positive outcomes.
• Liaising with various stakeholders to ensure transparent decision-making.

Skills

Customer service skills

Communication and negotiation skills

Knowledge of relevant law and policy

Education

Planning or relevant degree qualification

Job description

Wealden District Council

A forward-thinking authority with great opportunities

• Full Time
• Permanent
• Hailsham, East Sussex
• Posted 2 days ago
• £31,802.64 / Year
• Closes: 11 February 2026

Do you have an interest in helping new development come forward in a sustainable way? Do you want to build a career in a busy and proactive planning team? Then this role is for you.

Who?

Wealden District Council is committed to delivering sustainable development and providing our communities with a 5 star planning service.

This is an opportunity for someone who has some planning experience and wants to further their career or for someone who is adept at dealing with householder, minor and other application types but wants to do that in a district with a varied history and landscape.

You will be part of a team that helps to process around 3000 applications, applying planning law and policy and delivering positive outcomes for our communities and businesses.

What will you be doing?

• Preparing planning reports on development proposals.
• Providing advice and conducting negotiations with applicants to achieve the best possible outcomes and deliver 5-star customer service.
• Liaising with various stakeholders, including residents, officers from other service sections, elected members, and external bodies to ensure material consideration are taken into account and that decision making is open and transparent.
• Engaging in pre‑application discussions, taking opportunities to front load planning considerations and make the formal planning application process run smoothly.

What do you need?

• Experience in planning and the application of expert knowledge within a planning policy or development management context.
• Customer service skills, being particularly adept at speaking with those who have conflicting demands and priorities.
• Knowledge of relevant law, policy and guidance related to planning and related matters.
• Communication and negotiation skills being able to discuss proposals in a positive, constructive, and professional manner to deliver positive planning outcomes.
• A planning or relevant degree qualification or, as an alternative, considerable experience in planning matters.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary & pension scheme.
• Incremental progression subject to satisfactory performance.
• A friendly, supportive team.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Hybrid working.

For more information

For more information and an informal chat about opportunities please contact Caitlin Boddy ([e-mail] / 01892 602539) or Stephanie Wood ([e-mail] / 01892 602474).

About Wealden

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities, and all applications will be treated on merit.

Ethical Use of AI in Applications

We welcome innovation and do not automatically exclude candidates who use AI tools during the application process. However, we assess each application to ensure the candidate genuinely understands the role and its requirements.

AI may be used ethically and responsibly, provided it supports, rather than compromises our core values of integrity, transparency, and fairness. During assessments and interviews, candidates must present their own skills and experience without assistance from others, external resources, or AI, unless explicitly instructed otherwise.

To apply for this job please visit wealdendc.ciphr-irecruit.com.