Salary: £40,777 - £41,771 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week (part-time hours may be considered)
Location: Civic Centre, Carlisle
Contract: Permanent
About this opportunity
If you’re looking for a role where your planning expertise truly makes a difference, this is it. Development Management is responsible for enabling high‑quality homes, jobs and essential services across the borough. Join us, and you’ll help shape sustainable, well‑designed places that improve everyday life for our residents.
Bring your planning career to a place where balance, flexibility and wellbeing truly matter. You’ll enjoy hybrid working, the freedom to shape your week, and a generous annual leave package — with the option to buy even more. Add in an outstanding local government pension with an 18.3% employer contribution, plus assistance with RTPI membership fees, and you’ve got a role that supports your future as well as your day‑to‑day.
Considering a move? Cumberland offers an appealing mix of vibrant towns, beautiful coastal scenery and easy access to stunning natural landscapes — creating a fantastic setting for both work and life. You can also enjoy a great quality of life in one of England’s more affordable housing areas.
For candidates moving to Cumberland to take up the position, a Relocation Allowance may be available subject to meeting the qualifying criteria.
About the role
As a Planning Officer, you’ll support the day‑to‑day running of the Development Management service and manage your own caseload of minor and other planning applications. You’ll provide advice to applicants and the public, support planning enforcement work, and help guide less experienced colleagues as they develop their skills. This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.
What you’ll do
About you
You’ll bring a relevant planning degree (or equivalent) and be eligible for RTPI membership, with a solid understanding of planning legislation, national guidance and development management processes. You’ll be confident managing your own workload, communicating clearly and working collaboratively as part of a team. Strong analytical skills, the ability to handle sensitive situations, and experience within a local authority planning environment are all desirable. A full driving licence and access to a car are essential.
We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.
Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Iain Fairlamb by email at Iain.Fairlamb@cumberland.gov.uk
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview information
Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions. You must include a cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role. Please upload this along with your CV.
Closing date: Sunday 26th April 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Please read the supporting information:
Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:
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