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 key roles in our Development Management service, suited to experienced planning professionals who want more autonomy, better decision-making space, and the chance to focus on what really matters: high-quality outcomes, proportionate processes, and sustainable growth.
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
dealing confidently with complex proposals
working collaboratively with Members, agents and consultees
and giving planners the headroom to do their job well
You’ll manage a varied caseload with a focus on major and larger or more complex minor applications, taking schemes from pre-application through to decision.
You’ll be trusted to:
lead on complex cases
work directly with applicants, agents and consultees
exercise sound professional judgement
contribute to service improvement and new ways of working
You’ll be part of a supportive, motivated team that values clarity, teamwork and delivery, where change is actively encouraged.
We’re interested in what you’ve done and how you work, not just tick-box credentials.
You’ll likely:
have experience determining and/or submitting major or complex planning applications
be confident working with multiple consultees and stakeholders
have strong communication and negotiation skills
be comfortable balancing pace, quality and proportionality
RTPI qualification is welcomed, but experience matters more.
We welcome applications from planners in both local authority and private practice who are motivated by outcomes, not bureaucracy.
The chance to work on significant and interesting development proposals
A council that is serious about improving how planning works
Space to think, influence and lead on cases
Competitive salary with career-graded progression
Flexible and modern ways of working
Melton Mowbray is the Rural Capital of Food, with a strong identity, growing economy and major development opportunities. You’ll be shaping places that matter — not just processing applications.
We offer flexible and hybrid working, built on trust. Our standard week is 37 hours, and we simply ask that service needs are met.
Balance matters. We encourage you to switch off and recharge, with up to 30 days’ annual leave, bank holidays, and three extra days at Christmas. You can also buy additional leave if you choose.
We Care is one of our core values. As a Healthy Workplace, we support your wellbeing through a range of activities and a confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
We help you plan for the future with the excellent Local Government Pension Scheme, financial planning workshops, career development opportunities.
And because family comes first, we have a strong set of family‑friendly policies.
You can find out more about these roles by viewing the full job description and person specifications below.
We guarantee an interview to anyone who is a reservist, veteran or has a disability and meets the criteria for the role
If you would like an informal chat, please do not to hesitate to get in touch with:
Sarah Legge – Assistant Director for Planning
Email: slegge@melton.gov.uk
Telephone: 07771 733262
Closing Date: 12 Noon, Monday 9th March 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 19th March 2026
