About this opportunity

Cumberland Council is seeking a dedicated and professional Planning Officer to join our Development Management team. This vital role involves managing a diverse caseload of planning applications, providing expert advice, and supporting the development of well-designed homes, workplaces, and essential infrastructure. You will be responsible for determining major, minor, and household applications, offering pre-application advice, and ensuring compliance with planning conditions.

We are looking for a Planning Officer with a related degree and eligibility for RTPI Membership, who has a sound knowledge of planning legislation and development management procedures. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, the ability to manage their workload effectively, and a full driving licence. Join us in delivering sustainable development and making a positive impact on our community. Apply now to be part of our dynamic team!

Here are the key responsibilities for the Planning Officer – Development Management role at Cumberland Council:

• Caseload Management: Manage a dedicated caseload of planning applications from initial stages through to determination and enforcement.
• Team Support: Mentor and support less experienced staff, assisting in the development of the Development Management Service.
• Professional Advice: Offer technical planning advice within the Council and present applications at Planning Committee meetings.
• Compliance Checks: Ensure planning conditions are met and investigate breaches of planning control.
• Support Senior Officers: Assist senior officers with research, analysis, and monitoring tasks.
• Enforcement and Monitoring: Investigate enforcement complaints and monitor development sites for compliance.

Location – This role is hybrid based in Whitehaven.

This role is available on a permanent basis.

 Who we’re looking for

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.

We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.

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.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Armed forces veterans whose last long term substantive employer was the armed forces

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 Employer 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.

Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions.

Application and Interview information

• Closing date: 5^th May 2025
• Interview date: TBC

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council