Senior Planning Officer (Career Grade)

Help shape the future of one of the country’s most varied boroughs

From historic city streets and major regeneration sites to thriving towns, rural communities and protected countryside, planning in Cheshire West and Chester is rarely ordinary.

We’re looking for a motivated and experienced planner to join our friendly and supportive Development Management team. You’ll take ownership of a varied caseload, apply your professional judgement to interesting and challenging proposals, and have the autonomy to make decisions that deliver positive outcomes for communities across the borough.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.

The opportunity

Whether you're an experienced Planner ready for progression or an established Senior Planner looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you. This career grade post spans Grades 9 and 10, with the starting grade and salary reflecting your qualifications, experience and professional expertise.

Our borough brings together the historic city of Chester, the towns of Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Winsford, and extensive rural areas, countryside and Green Belt. With around 3,000 planning applications handled each year, no two days - or cases -are quite the same.

Your work could include:

• Major housing developments
• Significant commercial, industrial and energy proposals, including development associated with the Origin industrial area
• Agricultural and rural diversification schemes
• Leading visitor destinations such as Chester Zoo, Oulton Park and Chester Racecourse
• Proposals affecting our many conservation areas and listed buildings, and Chester’s Area of Archaeological Importance

It’s a chance to broaden your experience, tackle complex planning issues and see the real-world impact of your work across the borough.

What you’ll do

You’ll manage and determine a varied caseload of complex planning applications, working with applicants, residents, colleagues and other stakeholders to secure high-quality, sustainable development.

You may also have opportunities to support our planning enforcement and planning policy teams, giving you wider experience across the service.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience of dealing with varied and complex planning issues, preferably within a local authority
• Communicates clearly and builds effective working relationships
• Can balance competing priorities and take ownership of decisions
• Uses sound professional judgement to find practical solutions
• Is committed to providing great service to applicants, residents and communities

How we work

We work as a large, friendly and supportive team, built on trust, autonomy and open communication. We share knowledge, offer different perspectives and tackle challenges together. Managers give you the space to use your professional judgement, while making sure support is there when you need it.

This is a hybrid role, with your time split between home and our modern offices in Ellesmere Port. We support flexible working and a healthy work-life balance.

Part-time working arrangements may be considered where the proposed pattern meets the operational needs of the service. If you’re looking to balance the role with family or other commitments, contact us to discuss what could work.

The role involves site visits and remote meetings, so you’ll need a full UK driving licence and access to a car.

Interested?

For an informal conversation about the role, contact:

Nick Smith, Planning Team Manager  View email address on jobs.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

To learn more about working for Cheshire West and Chester Council, including our rewards and benefits, visit

For technical enquiries, email  View email address on jobs.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk and quote the job reference number in all correspondence.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is committed to equality and diversity in employment.