Planning Support Officer

Planning Support Officer (P01786)

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

Job Details

• Job Reference: welhat/TP/100/497
• Number of positions: 1
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: Starting at £29,364 per year, with progression to £31,325 subject to satisfactory service, designated skills and experience
• Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Working pattern: Hybrid
• Location: Welwyn Garden City
• Job category: Administration
• Closing date: 18 October 2026

About the Role

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is recruiting a Planning Support Officer to join its Development Management service.

The successful applicant will provide technical, administrative and procedural support across planning applications and appeals, while helping maintain a high standard of customer service.

The role also involves maintaining and developing electronic and manual record systems to ensure information is accurate, up to date and efficiently managed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing technical and administrative support to the Development Management service
• Supporting planning applications and appeals
• Assessing the validity of planning and other applications
• Determining requirements for planning permission and associated fees
• Maintaining accurate electronic and manual records
• Analysing and interpreting information and data
• Researching and presenting information effectively
• Providing advice and support to members of the public

What the Council Is Looking For

Previous planning experience is not essential, although it would be an advantage.

The council is looking for an organised and motivated applicant with:

• Strong communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• A customer-focused approach
• The ability to analyse and interpret data
• Good research and presentation skills
• The ability to provide accurate advice to members of the public
• The ability to converse at ease with members of the public in spoken English
• A commitment to delivering a high standard of customer service

Hybrid Working

The position is offered on a hybrid basis, with an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the council’s office at least two days per week, depending on service requirements.

The role is based in the council’s offices in Welwyn Garden City.

Employee Benefits

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council states that employees can access a range of benefits, including:

• Flexible working
• Generous annual leave
• Discounts at council-owned leisure facilities
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Supportive working environment

UK Visa Sponsorship

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council does not provide sponsorship for employment in the UK.

Applicants requiring UK employment sponsorship should therefore take this into account before applying.

Important Dates

• Application deadline: 18 October 2026
• Remote assessments: 26 October 2026
• Interviews: 2 November 2026

The council reserves the right to close the vacancy early if it receives a high volume of suitable applications, so early application is encouraged.

Local Government Reorganisation

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

The council states that if an individual is employed by WHBC on 1 April 2028, it is expected that the majority of roles will transfer to newly created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE principles.

How to Apply

Applicants should review the Planning Support Officer Role Profile carefully before applying.

Source: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council