Planning Development Officer

Job Expires: 2026-07-27

Melton Borough Council

Melton Borough Council is doing Development Management differently, and we’re looking for planners who want to be part of that change.

This is a career graded opportunity within our Development Management service, and we are keen to hear from planning professionals at different stages of their careers.  

Whether you’re building your experience in development management, looking for your next career move, or already have significant experience managing planning applications, we’d like to hear from you. 

At Melton, we recognise that everyone brings different skills, knowledge and experience. We’ll appoint at the grade that reflects your capabilities, and we’ll support your professional development through mentoring, training and increasing responsibility as your career progresses. 

 Why Melton? 

We are an ambitious rural authority with major growth opportunities, nationally recognised for food, manufacturing and place-making. More importantly, we are actively modernising how planning works: cutting unnecessary friction, being clearer about priorities, and backing professional judgement. 

 This isn’t about chasing numbers for the sake of it.  

It’s about: 

  • focusing effort where it has the most impact 

  • delivering high-quality planning outcomes 

  • working collaboratively with Members, agents and consultees 

  • supporting sustainable growth across the Borough 

  • giving planners the headroom to do their job well 

 

The Role 

You’ll manage a varied caseload appropriate to your experience, skills and grade, dealing with a range of planning applications and development proposals. 

As your experience develops, you’ll have opportunities to take on more complex applications and greater responsibility, supported by a collaborative and experienced team. 

You’ll be trusted to: 

  • manage planning applications from submission through to decision 

  • work directly with applicants, agents, consultees and local communities 

  • exercise sound professional judgement 

  • contribute to service improvement and new ways of working 

  • develop your skills and expertise within a supportive environment 

 You’ll be part of a motivated team that values clarity, teamwork and delivery, where ideas and innovation are encouraged. 

 About You 

We’re interested in your potential as much as your experience. 

You may already be working in development management, be gaining experience in another planning environment, or be looking to take the next step in your planning career. 

 You’ll likely: 

  • have a planning qualification or relevant planning experience 

  • be keen to develop your career in planning 

  • have strong communication and relationship-building skills 

  • be comfortable working with a range of stakeholders 

  • be able to balance customer service with sound professional judgement 

  • be motivated by delivering positive outcomes for communities and places 

 

RTPI qualification or membership is welcomed but not essential. We welcome applications from planners working in local authorities, private practice, or other planning-related fields. 

 

What You’ll Get 

  • A varied and interesting workload 

  • The opportunity to work on significant development proposals 

  • A council that is serious about improving how planning works 

  • Career graded salary and progression opportunities 

  • Support, mentoring and professional development 

  • Flexible and modern ways of working 

  • The opportunity to shape places that matter 

 

About Melton 

Melton Mowbray is the Rural Capital of Food, with a strong identity, growing economy and major development opportunities. You’ll be helping to shape the future of the Borough while developing your own planning career. 

Tell us about your experience, skills and career aspirations, and we’ll work with you to help you develop and succeed. 

 

More information

This position attracts an essential car allowance.

You can find out more about this role by viewing the full job description and person specification below.

We guarantee an interview to anyone who is a reservist, veteran or has a disability and meets the criteria for the role 

 

Closing Date: Noon, Monday 27 July 2026.*

 

 If you would like an informal chat regarding this position please do not hesitate to contact: 

Louise Parker – Planning Development Manager 

Email: lparker@melton.gov.uk 

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early when we receive sufficient and suitable applications. Therefore, please ensure that you submit your application  as soon as possible so that you can be considered for this role.