Planning Assistant

Make a Difference in Lancaster

Join us as a Planning Assistant and play a vital role in shaping Lancaster’s future. You’ll manage and assess planning applications in the public interest, supporting growth while protecting our local heritage, amenity and environment, and ensuring decisions promote sustainable development and community safety.

You’ll be joining a positive, enthusiastic and supportive team of planners who are passionate about delivering high-quality outcomes for our communities. We place a strong emphasis on collaborative working, where ideas are shared, knowledge is valued, and everyone contributes to delivering the best possible service.

Your work will directly support the Council’s commitment to tackling the Climate Emergency, while building strong relationships with applicants, agents, residents and local councillors.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will manage a varied caseload of minor and non-householder planning applications, as well as pre-application enquiries. This will include screening development under Environmental Impact Assessment legislation, negotiating and discharging planning conditions, and supporting proportionate, well-reasoned decisions in the public interest.

You’ll chair informal pre-application meetings, assess development proposals, and prepare clear and robust planning reports and recommendations. When required, you will also present applications to the Planning Regulatory Committee, manage appeals, and support enforcement work.

Importantly, you will have the opportunity to work alongside Principal Planning Officers, gaining valuable exposure to major and strategic planning applications in a supportive role. This makes the position an excellent opportunity to broaden your experience and develop your career.

You’ll also work closely with colleagues across the service to improve processes and contribute to shaping future planning policies.

You’ll Fit Right In If…

You hold a degree in a relevant subject and have experience of planning application determination and appeals. You have a strong understanding of planning legislation, alongside excellent communication and negotiation skills.

You are organised, proactive, and able to manage competing priorities, both independently and as part of a team. A full driving licence is essential.

Just as importantly, you value teamwork, collaboration and continuous learning. In return, we will provide coaching, mentoring and ongoing support to help you develop and succeed in your role.

You’ll embody our values of Working Together, Ambition, Pride and Ownership, contributing positively to our community-focused culture.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your career within a forward-thinking and supportive planning service. You’ll benefit from:

• A welcoming and collaborative team environment
• Coaching and mentoring from experienced planners
• Opportunities to gain exposure to major and strategic applications
• A strong focus on professional development and progression

If you’re passionate about making a real difference in Lancaster, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about what it’s like working with us, our benefits, values and culture, by visiting lancaster.gov.uk/sites/recruitment.

Why Work With Us
Our Benefits
• Generous annual leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Car purchase scheme
• Lifestyle savings
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Volunteering days
• Wellbeing support

Flexible working friendly
We welcome discussions about flexible working and may be able to offer hybrid working, a generous flexi-time scheme, and agreed working hours to support work–life balance.

Inclusive employer
We welcome applications from all parts of the community and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
We guarantee interviews for applicants with a disability and armed forces veterans who meet the essential criteria.