Planning and Appeals Technical Support Officer

Job Introduction

The role 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to join the Technical Support Team.  

Your main responsibility will be supporting the planning and enforcement appeal processes including providing administrative support at Appeal Hearings and Public Inquiries held at the District Council Offices in Letchworth. 

In addition, you will carry out a wide range of duties which are undertaken to ensure the timely validation of planning applications received by the Development Management Team.

You must have proven data entry and database skills to achieve 100% accuracy, together with previous experience of using databases to store and retrieve information.  You must also be a good team worker who is able to work with minimal supervision, has the ability to work to tight deadlines, and possess good telephone and communication skills.

The Experience you will bring

• Customer focussed.
• Methodical with a strong attention to detail.
• Flexible and able to embrace change with adaptability.
• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of using databases to log and retrieve information.
• The ability to multitask, set priorities and manage time effectively.
• Effective, clear, and professional written and verbal communication.

About Us

North Hertfordshire is a large rural district with approximately 125,000 residents with four historic towns, Hitchin, Baldock, Royston and Letchworth Garden City. The Council have four priorities: Thriving Communities, Accessible Services, Responsible Growth and Sustainability. The Council Plan sets out our key priorities and themes for the next five years. The North Herts Values define how we as colleagues work with each other, and we strive to be: Adaptable, Inclusive, Learning, Listening, Together.

Why work with us?

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment practices and in our employment policies. We want our employees to feel safe to express themselves and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of talents. We are dedicated to promoting a healthy work/life balance, valuing our employees, and enabling them to make a difference to the local community.

At North Herts Council we are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and we guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum requirements for the job.    

Please note that all our vacancies require you to live and work in the UK, and selection interviews are face to face in our Letchworth offices or other nearby council sites.

We are changing
North Herts Council (NHC) is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).  If you are employed by NHC on 1 April 2028, it is expected that the majority of roles will transfer to the newly-created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) principles.

LGR is one of the biggest changes in local government we will face in a generation. It will reshape how we work and how services are organised and gives us a real opportunity to build something better.

To find out more, visit  Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation | North Herts Council  

If you would like an informal chat about the post, you can contact Helen Watson (01462 474221) Technical Support Team Leader helen.watson@north-herts.gov.uk or Kerry Andrews (01462 474835) Planning Technician (Major Projects and Development Management) kerry.andrews@north-herts.gov.uk 

Hybrid working: Flexibility with homeworking and office-based days

Working pattern: Monday to Friday inclusive with flexible hours between  7:30am and 6.00 pm each day. 

Face to face interviews will be held on 12th and 13th August

Please note that we are currently unable to provide sponsorship for employment in the UK.

We recommend downloading the job profile document as this will not be available once the vacancy closes.