Introduction
The main purpose of planners is to make the best use of land and
natural resources while conserving the environment. The challenge
is whether the land should be developed for housing, industry,
retail, etc and to enforce against breaches of planning control
where necessary and expedient. Planners are required to deal with
statutory duties and requirements under the Town and Country
Planning Act and related legislation. Anyone wanting to build,
develop or change the use of land within an authority should gain
the permission of the Local Planning Authority unless it is
"permitted" under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted
Development Order) 1995. It's within this framework that Planning
Officers provide support for more Senior Planning Officers.
Planners are employed in every authority in Wales.
Work Environment
As a Planning Officer, you'd divide your time between work indoors
- largely in an office environment but also occasionally in village
community centres or town halls, for example, when public meetings
take place - and on-site visits, out in the open air, in all
weathers. You'd usually work normal office hours, but
sometimes you may need to attend meetings - with the public or
developers, for instance - outside office hours.
Daily Activities
Your daily activities as a Planning Officer would focus around the
needs of the Senior Planning Officers and your caseload. You'd work
as part of a team and your tasks may include:
- checking the validity of incoming applications and liaising
with agents and applicants to advise of the information necessary
to accompany a planning application, any errors or discrepancies,
etc;
- ensuring their applications are valid, all relevant consultees
have been contacted, site notices have been displayed,
etc;
- research, evaluation and reporting of applications having
regard to agreed targets, the Authority's policy framework and site
constraints;
- preparation of pre-application planning advice for
customers;
- providing planning and permitted development advice to
customers by phone, email, letter and in person;
- gathering, collating, scanning and documenting information in
relation to pre-application enquiries and planning applications in
particular;
- working and liaising with contractors, local authorities,
outside bodies and agencies, planning consultants, councillors,
developers and the public;
- adding value to the quality of development and design via the
planning application process;
- co-ordinating and attending meetings at Civic Centre and on
site to discuss development proposals and provide opinion, discuss
proposals, negotiate amendments if necessary;
- checking and assessing development proposals having regard to
Environmental Impact Assessment legislation;
- monitoring developments once they've been completed to make
sure they comply with planning conditions;
- investigating potential and alleged breaches of planning
legislation;
- to assist in the appeals process;
- taking necessary enforcement action (under the supervision of
senior planning officers).
Skills & Interests
You'd need to:
- be meticulous - have an eye for detail and accuracy;
- computer literate;
- be flexible, able to respond to a range of requests and
complete them within a deadline;
- have good communication skills - you'd be dealing with all
kinds of people and would need to be able to explain planning
matters clearly and succinctly, including writing reports;
- be a good team worker;
- be empathetic, a good negotiator and able to weigh up
conflicting opinions;
- be able to read, understand and explain plans and
proposals;
- have an interest in all aspects of the environment - both urban
and rural;
- be able to manage time effectively, dealing with a high
caseload of applications in an environment where targets exist to
monitor the time taken to process applications, answer letters,
return phone calls, etc;
- have a driving licence.
Entry Requirements
To become a Planning Officer, you will need to hold a recognised
qualification in Town Planning (or a related discipline) to a
minimum level of HND, HNC, NVQ Level 4, or a Degree or Diploma in
Planning, or alternatively, have an equivalent combination of
knowledge and several years' experience of planning. Demonstrable
knowledge of the planning system and basic planning legislation,
especially that relating to development management is
essential.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There's a promotion structure within Planning departments, with
opportunities to become a Senior Planning Officer- although you may
have to move authority for promotion. There are also jobs for
Planning Officer outside local government. Membership of the RTPI
can be gained after satisfying the Institute that you have the
required mixture of qualifications and experience (normally one of
the qualifications mentioned above and at least two years' relevant
experience of work). You may also train further to become a
professional Planner.
Further Information & Services
Royal Town Planning Institute www.rtpi.org.uk
Planning Officers Society www.planning officers.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.