The Development Planning Support Officer provides essential administrative, practical and technical support to the Development Planning Service within the Place & Growth Business Unit. Working closely with Validation Officers, Planning Officers, Highways DC colleagues and Customer Service teams, the role assists in validating and processing planning and related applications in line with legislation, service standards and established procedures.
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 Development Planning Support Officer provides essential administrative, practical and technical support to the Development Planning Service within the Place & Growth Business Unit. Working closely with Validation Officers, Planning Officers, Highways DC colleagues and Customer Service teams, the role assists in validating and processing planning and related applications in line with legislation, service standards and established procedures.
As a key point of contact, the postholder supports customers and officers by providing general planning, enforcement, appeals and Highways DC information, ensuring accurate data entry, correct fee calculations, and the efficient progression of applications. The role also contributes to the preparation of public notices, committee agendas and presentations, supports the coordination of appeal work, and undertakes a range of administrative tasks that ensure effective delivery across Development Planning, Enforcement and Highways DC functions.
RESPONSIBILITIES the Development Planning Support Officer will:
1. Assist with checking and processing planning and related applications, including validating minor application types and ensuring all required consultations are issued accurately and on time.
2. Offer general planning, enforcement, appeals and Highways DC information to customers, officers and Customer Service colleagues, ensuring queries are dealt with promptly and professionally.
3. Check and calculate application fees, record and process payments, and issue refunds where required, ensuring all activity complies with Cheshire West and Chester financial procedures.
4. Draft and arrange publication of public notices within required deadlines and monitor timely payment of associated invoices.
5. Assist with processing Part Claims and provide administrative support for S and S work as needed.
6. Carry out tasks for Planning Committee, Development Planning, Enforcement and Highways DC teams, including creating committee agendas and presentations, liaising with Team Leaders and Democratic Services, and ensuring all deadlines are met.
7. Compile speaker lists, liaise with individuals who request to speak, and support the smooth administration of the committee process.
8. Assist with the coordination of appeal casework for an allocated planning team and provide administrative assistance for enforcement processes.
9. Provide support across the Development Planning Service as required to help the team meet its performance targets and deliver a consistent, high‑quality service.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
10. This role is a Hybrid Worker which means that you will work from a contractual work base, but will also work in the community, at other council locations, partner buildings, at home or other suitable locations. Many services and customers span across the Borough and therefore you may be required to work at any location in Cheshire West and Chester.
11. This role requires you to undertake other duties, commensurate with the grade, as may reasonably be required and in line with organisational development and change.
STRENGTHS
12. Honest
13. Motivated
14. Team player
15. Collaborative
16. Active listener
17. Clear communicator
18. Positive, can-do attitude
19. Goal-oriented
20. Empathetic
REQUIREMENTS the Development Planning Support Officer will…
ESSENTIAL:
21. Proven ability to process information accurately and within agreed timescales.
22. Experience providing a professional service to members of the public.
23. Strong data‑entry skills with the ability to input information accurately into digital systems
24. A sound understanding of the planning system and its associated processes.
25. Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all work.
26. Ability to complete mathematical calculations confidently and correctly.
27. Competent user of Microsoft Word with solid general IT skills.
28. Able to work collaboratively as part of a dedicated team.
29. Confident working to tight deadlines and following structured timetables.
30. Consistently high levels of accuracy and organisation.
31. Flexible and adaptable approach to changing workloads and service requirements.
DESIRABLE:
32. Experience working within a planning administration or development management environment.
33. Practical experience using Idox, Civica, or similar planning and document management systems.
34. Experience maintaining or updating spatial data.
35. Experience supporting colleagues or system users with digital processes or platforms.
To find out more information about what it is like to work for Cheshire West and Chester Council including our rewards and benefits please see
No candidate will meet every single requirement - if your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you!
Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see the for more information.
Cheshire West and Chester Council have adopted a Local Living Wage for our employees which means that all employees will receive a minimum of £ per hour for all contracted hours.