Planning Officers

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Shape the future of Gateshead through planning that makes a difference

You’ll be joining the Spatial Planning team within the Climate Change, Compliance, Planning and Transport service at Gateshead Council. The team plays a critical role in shaping the future of the borough—developing and delivering the Local Plan, supporting sustainable growth, and responding to the climate emergency. Working collaboratively with internal services, external partners and the Combined Authority, the team blends policy, evidence, innovation and digital approaches to ensure planning decisions are forward-thinking, data-driven and community focused

Be part of a forward-thinking team driving innovative planning solutions

What you will get to do

• Support the preparation and delivery of the Council’s Local Plan and supporting evidence base
• Shape planning policy and contribute to key strategies, including climate emergency initiatives
• Provide professional planning advice on applications, pre-application enquiries, appeals and development proposals
• Work with Council services, stakeholders and regional partners to influence development
• Develop and manage monitoring systems to track Local Plan performance
• Contribute to service improvement, including digitisation, data analysis and funding opportunities
• Prepare reports, consultation materials and planning documents for a range of audiences
• Support consultation, engagement and evidence gathering to inform policy development
• Manage your workload effectively while contributing to wider team priorities and objectives

Help deliver sustainable growth and tackle the climate emergency

What you will bring

• A solid grounding in spatial planning, with understanding of the planning system, policy development and (at higher levels) legislation and emerging approaches
• Strong communication, presentation and report writing skills, with the ability to engage different audiences
• An appropriate level of education equivalent to Level 2 qualifications (including English and Mathematics) alongside a relevant qualification (or working towards one), such as Town Planning or Geography
• Experience of managing your own workload, working both independently and collaboratively, and contributing to projects (including more complex work at higher grades)
• Confidence in using IT, data and digital planning tools, including monitoring and analysis
• The ability to think creatively, work flexibly to deadlines and demonstrate initiative and problem solving
• A customer-focused, team-oriented approach, with negotiation skills and (at higher grades) experience of leading work or supporting others

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides:
• Generous Annual Leave : Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working : We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support : From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme : Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme : Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice : Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.