Planning Development Officer
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 role in our Development Management service, suited to 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.
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:
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focusing effort where it has the most impact
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dealing confidently with complex proposals
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working collaboratively with Members, agents and consultees
The role
You’ll manage a varied caseload, taking schemes from pre-application through to decision.
You’ll be trusted to:
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lead on your own caseload
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work directly with applicants, agents and consultees
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exercise sound professional judgement
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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.
About you
We’re interested in what you’ve done and how you work, not just tick-box credentials.
You’ll likely:
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have experience determining and/or submitting planning applications
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be confident working with multiple consultees and stakeholders
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have strong communication and negotiation skills
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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.
What you’ll get
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The chance to work on significant and interesting development proposals
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A council that is serious about improving how planning works
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Space to think, influence and lead on cases
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Competitive salary with career-graded progression
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Flexible and modern ways of working
About Melton
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.
Why join us?
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.
More Information
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