Planning Officer (ref:1308)

• Planning_Officer_-_Job_Description

Contract Type – Full Time, Permanent

Closing Date – 05 November 2026

To apply, please click the 'Apply' button above or please send your CV and covering letter to hrrecruitment@winchester.gov.uk.

Winchester City Council is offering a purposeful and fulfilling career opportunity within our Planning Service.

As a result of an internal promotion, we are seeking a Planning Officer to join our Development Management team and play an important role in shaping Winchester’s District’s historic city, market towns, rural villages and countryside. You will help deliver high-quality development in accordance with local and national planning policy, balancing growth with the protection of our valued natural, built and historic environments.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build or further develop a career in planning within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority.

About The Role

As a Planning Officer you will manage a varied caseload of planning applications, pre-applications and appeals, providing professional recommendations within challenging timescales. You will work closely with applicants, colleagues, consultees, elected members and local communities to help deliver sustainable development across the district.

About You

You will need to be motivated and pro-active individual with:

• An interest in the built, natural and historic environment.

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

• An ability to assess information and make balanced, well-reasoned recommendations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• A full clean driving licence .

A degree or equivalent qualification in Planning or a related discipline would be advantageous, as would previous experience in a planning-related role. However, we are also keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate the skills, aptitude and commitment needed to succeed in the role.

Why Join Us?

Our offices are based in the heart of Winchester's historic cathedral city, and we operate a hybrid working model, with colleagues spending 50% of their time working from home and 50% in the office, including at least one day each week working together as a team.

We are proud of our friendly and supportive culture, where collaboration, respect and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do. We encourage our employees to take ownership of their work, develop their skills and contribute new ideas. By investing in our people and empowering them to succeed, we create an environment where everyone can thrive.

We offer an excellent package of benefits including:

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

• Flexible working arrangements

• Competitive annual leave per year

• Free parking

• Season Ticket Loans

• Cycle to Work and Car Benefit salary sacrifice schemes

• Employer paid health cash plan

• Confidential Employee Advice and Support Programme

• Employee retail and leisure discounts

• Support for continuous professional development 

For more information about the role, please view the full job description and person specification attached. For an informal discussion regarding this post and the opportunities it offers, please contact Simon Avery, Area Team Manager on 01962 848572.