Your guide to careers in

Planning & Building Control

Building and protecting your community

help to make a difference and improve lives
This career pathway brochure provides a general overview of the career
opportunities available in Planning & Building Control (although the job titles and
roles may vary between different local councils).

The brochure describes the job roles and gives profiles from employees about their
work, career routes and qualifications and the benefits of working in local
government. It also provides details on where you can find out more and who to
contact in your local council for more information.

Contents
Making a difference and improving 1
people’s lives

Insider Views 2

Job Roles
Development Control Officer 3

Planning Policy Officer 4

Urban Design & Conservation Officer 5

Transport Planner 6

Planning Technician 7

Building Control Officer 8

Access Officer 9

Career Routes and Qualifications 10

Education 11

Why work in local government 12

Where can I find more information 13

1 Making a difference and
improving lives
Planning is about making the best use of land to
create diverse, vibrant and sustainable places where
people want to live, work and play whilst also
conserving our natural and built heritage. Building
Control ensures that these places and buildings are
safe, accessible, energy efficient and conform to
building regulations.

Planning and Building Building Control

Control are two entirely
separate and legally
enforceable pieces of law
which are used to build
and protect the
community, and make
a difference to improve
lives.
Planning
Planning is all about making the best
possible use of land, whilst taking
into account environmental
conservation. It is a balancing act
between constructing modern vibrant
communities and conserving our
natural and built heritage to create
diverse, vibrant and sustainable
places where people want to live,
work and play. It is a process required
by law, which covers the
management and development of
the built and natural environment.
Building control relates to the manner
in which a building is constructed and
is about ensuring that new buildings,
or structural alterations to existing
buildings are safe, accessible, energy
efficient and conform to all building
regulations.
They are responsible for ensuring
that building work is carried out to
the standards required by the
Building Regulations and provide help
and advice both before and after the
commencement of work that is
subject to the Building Regulations.
They also provide help and advice in
respect of Safety of Sports Grounds,
Dangerous Structures including the
issuing of appropriate notices and
action in respect of Demolitions. In
addition they are also responsible for
Street naming and numbering.

Your local council is responsible for

enforcing statutory planning
regulations through planning
permission to construct a new
building, to change an existing
building or the local environment. It
is also responsible for producing local
plans and development frameworks
that take into account community
involvement and sustainability in the
local spatial planning process and for
implementing national policies on
development.
2 Insider Views…
Scott Jackson, North
Lincolnshire Council
“The interesting part
of the job is that no two
developments are the
same. The applications
I receive vary widely and
the job also provides the
opportunity to help share
development”
Scott is the council’s senior planning
officer. He has worked in the Council’s
Karen Abba, East Riding of
Yorkshire Council
“It is very rewarding to
physically see the impact
your work has on the built
environment”
Principal Development Control Officer
Karen explains “I really like the
variety of the job, each day is
different. It is interesting to travel
around the area having direct contact
with the public”.
Karen and her team of eight staff deal
with householder planning
applications ranging from extensions
to the building of conservatories. All
applications are examined and their
implications considered. They provide
advice and guidance about making the
Trevor Honess, North Lincolnshire Council
“What I like it the variety of work. It is anything but
routine”
Trevor has worked as a Senior
Building Control Officer for nearly
18 years. “What I like if the varity
of work. It is anything but routine.
You never know what the next
phone call or email will bring. The
report of a dangerous building can
quickly alter your priorities, and
you day changes completely”.
Trevor adds: “The responsibility
of enforcing building regulations
planning service for the past year.
“The interesting part of the job is
that no two developments are the
same. The applications I deal with
vary widely,” says Scott.
“The job also provides the
opportunity to help shape
development before it reaches the
planning application stage through
pre-application advice and site
meetings.
“I decided to become a planning
officer following a year out from
university where I worked as a
most of the land and its resources,
while taking into consideration the
environment.
Karen adds “One of the hardest parts
of the job can be dealing with angry
customers who have had their
planning application refused”. Karen
joined the council in 1990. She
explains “I originally joined the council
as part of a youth trainee scheme.
I had just finished school and was
unsure of what I wanted to do. The
council’s training scheme offered me
experience in different departments
and day release to complete
administrative qualifications. I then
got a job working in administration”.
The council supported Karen in gaining
qualifications. She adds: “initially I
completed a certificate and a HND in
business and finance but then I
means my time is split between
the office and being on site. It has
the diversity of dealing with many
different businesses, organisations
and local residents. Like most jobs,
working in building control is not
without its challenges. I do
however, get a lot of satisfaction
from completing a project,
knowing I have had an input into
the building process”
planning liaison officer at the
Environment Agency. I thought that
planning was an interesting
environment in which to work.
I wanted to become involved in a
wide variety of developments. As a
planning officer I’m the important
point of contact for a range of people
including the public, developers,
architects, applicants and
government agencies. This level of
interaction helps to develop personal
skills and gives me the opportunity
to weigh up all interests before
making an informed and balanced
decision”.
realised I really wanted to work in
planning. I got a job in the planning
department as a technical assistant
and completed a certificate in
planning”.
Karen has now progressed to Principal
Development Control Officer and is
still received great training and
development opportunities. She is
currently in the final year of a three
year masters degree in town and
country planning.
Karen adds: “Planning is a versatile
career with many opportunities. For a
successful career you need to be able
to work to deadlines, be outgoing and
confident, good at negotiating, have
an eye for detail and an appreciation
of what looks right while being
prepared to go that extra mile when
needed”.
3 Development Control Officer
Introduction
Anyone wishing to build on or develop land must gain planning permission from
the council. Development control officers play a crucial role in this process dealing
with planning applications and providing advice and guidance to the public and
developers about making the most of the land and its resources, whilst also taking
into consideration the environment and impact on neighbours.
Work Environment
Development control officers spend
part of their time based in council
offices and some of their time
outdoors travelling around visiting
proposed building sites meeting
developers and land owners.
Daily Activities
Development control officers carry
out a wide variety of tasks, which
may include:
• assessing planning applications,
often in consultation with
colleagues, and evaluating the
outcomes;
• making site visits to investigate
developments or proposed
developments and check that
planning restrictions are fully
understood and complied with;
• providing professional advice to
colleagues within the council,
elected members and others such
as archaeologists on the impact
of planning applications on
archaeological and heritage sites;
• liaising with developers,
architects, contractors, consultants
and the public to ensure they are
well-informed of council planning
policies and procedures;
• advising outside experts – such
as the National Trust, English
Heritage and voluntary bodies –
on regulations and
recommendations for
conservation and development;
• working with others to prepare
schemes for the conservation of
the area’s historic buildings and
the countryside.
Skills & Interests Estimated salary range
Development control officers need: £23,300 - £29,500
Please note that salary information is
• an appreciation of the a guide only. For further information
countryside, environment, and about salaries for particular positions,
ancient and historic monuments, please contact your local council
and how they fit with modern directly.
development and public need;
• an eye for detail and an ability
Future prospects
to pick out important facts;
• an appreciation of what looks & opportunities
right and design awareness There are progression routes to more
within the context of new senior and managerial roles within
developments; planning and environmental services.
• good communication skills - able
to explain complex points to a
wide range of people;
• to be able to think through an
issue carefully and make well-
considered decisions;
• good organisational skills and an
ability to prioritise work.
Entry Requirements
A diploma or a degree in planning
recognised by the Royal Town
Planning Institute (RTPI). There are
several routes to qualification,
including:
• a first degree in planning
accredited by the RTPI;
• a postgraduate qualification
accredited by the RTPI - entry to
these courses is usually with a
first degree related to planning,
such as geography, geology,
economics or architecture;
• a distance learning degree
accredited by the RTPI.
For senior posts, you will also need
several years’ relevant post-
qualification experience in planning.
4 Planning Policy Officer
Introduction
Planning Policy Officers and Development Control Officers have the same type of
training and are involved in similar work activities. The main differences are that
Planning Policy Officers set the policies and land use pattern for the future whilst
Development Control Officers apply those policies in considering planning
applications.
Planning Policy Officers produce plans
and policies over a long period of
time while Development Control
Officers deal with planning
applications on demand and to
shorter set timescales.
Anyone wishing to build on or
develop land must first gain planning
permission from the council. Planning
permission will usually be judged
against the policies set by the
Planning Policy Officer but these do
require individual assessment by the
Development Control Officer because
every location and type of
development will be different.
Work Environment
The work is mainly office based and
Planning Policy Officers do not visit
sites very often but when this is
needed it is usually part of a big
programme of investigating the
potential of land for development
and this work may last several
weeks.
Daily Activities
Planning Policy Officers are
involved in a wide range of tasks
which are dependant upon the
particular stage reached in
preparing the planning policy
document. From the start of the
process to the end tasks will
include:
• Researching and collecting
information about people and
the environment eg how the
population is expected to change,
what jobs will be needed,
‘green’ issues such as energey
usage and wildlife habitats.
• Assessing what government
policies and policies at the
regional level say we must do.
• Ensuring that the ‘planning’
policies meet both the councils
and community’s needs and
ambitions.
• Consultation with various
interested bodies and the
community in both informal and
formal setting such as exhibitions
and work groups. The planner’s
job is to achieve a balance
between the competing demands
for land and its use.
• Presenting the planning policy
document to an Inspector in a
public examination
Typically a planning policy document
will take two years or more to go
through the whole process. However
more than one document may be
being worked on at the same time
and there are many related types of
work that need to be done as well.
Skills & Interests
Planning Policy Officers need to be
interested in the environment and
the effects of development on
people’s lives and need:
• An appreciation of the
countryside, environment,
ancient and historic monuments
and buildings and how they fit
with modern development and
public need.
• To be able to analyse data and
carry out research with an eye for
detail and the ability to pick out
important facts.
• Good communication skills with
the ability to explain complex
points both in writing and
verbally to a wide range of
people from elected members,
fellow professionals (eg.
architects, solicitors etc), and
members of the public.
• Good administrative and
organisational skills with the
ability to prioritise work.
Entry Requirements
A degree or diploma in planning
recognised the Royal Town
Planning Institute (RTPI) is
required. There are several routes
to qualification, including:
• A first degree in planning
accredited by the RTPI. Minimum
entry requirements for first-
degree courses are set by the
Universities, usually five GCSE
Grade passes or equivalent and
two A-levels Grades.
Recommended subjects include
English, maths, history,
geography or foreign languages.
• A postgraduate qualification
accredited by the RTPI. Those with
a planning-related degree, such as
architecture, geology, ecology,
landscape architecture, statistics,
economics or transport, may
follow their degree with a two-
year full-time or three-year part-
time course.
• A joint distance-learning
diploma/MA in town planning is
also available.
For senior posts you will also need
several years’ relevant post-
qualification experience in planning.
Estimated salary range
£23,300 - £29,500 depending on
skills and experience
Please note that salary information is
a guide only. For further information
about salaries for particular positions,
please contact your local council
directly.
Future prospects &
opportunities
There are progression routes to more
senior and managerial roles within
planning and environmental services.
5 Urban Design &
Conservation Officer
Introduction
Design & Conservation officers look after both urban and rural areas, working to
maintain their historic or natural make up.
Work Environment
This will involve office work and local
travel to planning sites and public
meetings.
Daily Activities
The main purpose of the job is to
develop policies and planning
guidance that secures the
conservation of the built
environment and encourages a
high quality of design in all new
development in the local area. This
means that it is the duty of Design
& Conservation Officers to:
• help the public understand the
importance of conservation and
enhancement of their built
heritage – the character of their
visible past
• enable people to have a say in
what their environment looks
like and to enjoy being part of it
• advise councillors, planning
applicants and the general public
on conservation of listed
buildings, scheduled monuments,
archeological sites, gardens and
parks etc. and provide
information leaflets
• look at development proposals
and advise on planning
permission for significant new
development in conservation
areas and take part in the
negotiation procedure
• assist with the enforcement and
legal action required to protect
threatened buildings and
features of the urban landscape
• liaise with building control
officers in assessing buildings
at risk, including the preparation
of repairs and emergency work
• prepare written evidence and Estimated salary range
represent the council as an
£23,610 - £28,356
expert witness in planning and
Please note that salary information is
enforcement appeals &criminal
a guide only. For further information
prosecutions
about salaries for particular positions,
• prepare designs, sketches and
detailed development briefs for
please contact your local council
directly.
major or particularly sensitive
sites
• advise on designated new
conservation areas and draw up Future prospects &
character appraisals for opportunities
applicants, property owners and There are opportunities for promotion
residents in the planning and environment
• manage the council’s design and services. The next job up is Principal
conservation awards and historic Planning Officer and that entails more
buildings grants schemes policy management.
• maintain documentary, Senior posts in urban renewal,
photographic and map records conservation, town planning and
of historic buildings, parks and heritage protection are always
gardens, ancient monuments available. Jobs outside local
and other features of special government include various posts in
architectural interest. the heritage industry.
Entry Requirements
You should have a degree or
equivalent in at least one of the
following areas: town planning,
architecture, historic building
conservation or urban design.
Membership of the Institute of
Historic Building Conservation and of
the Royal Town Planning Institute or
the Royal Institute of British
Architects is desirable.
A minimum of 2 years relevant post
qualification experience is essential. It
would also be helpful to have worked
in local government, have experience
of development control and of
preparing conservation area
appraisals. In addition, experience of
writing policies and/or
supplementary planning guidance
and/or design briefs and of initiating
schemes in the cause of building
conservation and good design is
desirable.
6 Transport Planner
Work Environment
Local government
transport planners are
mainly office based, but
do some site visits.
Daily Activities
Planning Policy Officers are
involved in a wide range of tasks
which are dependant upon the
particular stage reached in
preparing the planning policy
document. From the start of the
process to the end tasks will
include:
• preparing strategic transport plans;
• building computer based transport
models;
• considering the best solutions to
particular travel problems;
• assessing the environmental
impact of new road/rail schemes;
• preparing design briefs, for
example for new traffic calming
schemes or pedestrian zones;
• assessing the impact any new
developments, such as shopping
centres, might have on traffic
congestion;
• liaising with colleagues in other
council departments such as
planning and development
control;
• helping teachers, parents and
pupils develop school travel plans;
• advising businesses on green
travel plans;
• studying traffic accidents and
finding ways of reducing them;
• negotiating with stakeholders
and those affected by proposed
transport schemes;
• cost benefit analysis;
• contract preparation and
management;
• preparing advice to Councillors
and MPs;
People need to travel and move around - to work, to
school, to the shops, on holiday. Transport planners
in local government play an important role in ensuring
that there is an integrated transport system. They
plan, design, deliver and maintain our transport
infrastructure and make sure that it supports the
economic, social and environmental objectives of a
local council area.
• responding to Government
legislation and consultation.
transport related Masters degrees
available from a range of universities.
Transport planning NVQs might also
Skills & Interests be available.
Local government transport
planners need: Estimated salary range
Starting salaries for Local Government
• an understanding of and interest Transport Planners are typically
in people, places and movement; around £20,000 but with experience
• practical ability and problem officers might earn up to £32,000.
solving skills;
• good communication skills; Please note that salary information is
• analytical skills and a logical a guide only and there may be local
mind; agreements in place. For further
• creativity and innovation; information about salaries for
• good ICT skills. particular positions, please contact
your local council directly.
Entry Requirements Future prospects &
Most people enter local government
transport planning with a degree, opportunities
most often in either geography or There is a career progression into
civil engineering. However, a growing local government transport
number of transport planners have management positions. There might
degrees in business studies, also be opportunities to move to
environmental studies, economics, different management roles in
mathematics, or town planning with planning or in different departments,
a transport option. There are also for example, environmental services.
7 Planning Technician
Introduction
Anyone wanting to build or develop land within an authority needs to gain
permission from the Planners first. It’s within this framework that Planning
Technicians provide support for the professional Planners.
Work Environment
As a Planning Technician, you’d divide
your time between work indoors -
largely in an office environment but
also occasionally in village community
centres or town halls, for example,
when public meetings take place -
and on-site visits, out in the open air,
in all weathers.
Daily Activities
Your daily activities as a Planning
Technician would focus around the
needs of the Senior Planning Officers.
You’d work as part of a team and
your tasks may include:
• helping to identify planning
needs, opportunities and
weaknesses
• gathering and collating
information, providing technical
support
• helping to conduct surveys -
devising questions and
identifying the right people to
talk to
• working and liaising with
contractors, local authorities,
outside bodies and agencies and
the public
• organising public meetings -
setting up exhibitions and writing
leaflets
• organising, indexing and storing
plans, photographs, maps,
reports and notes on listed
buildings
• producing extracts and
enlargements or reductions of
maps - and revising them
• dealing with minor planning
applications and schemes and
preparing reports for Senior
Planning Officers
• handling general planning
enquiries and providing technical
advice on the Council’s policies
and procedures to Councillors,
developers, other Councils and
departments, as well as the
public
• monitoring developments once
they’ve been completed to make
sure they comply with planning
conditions
• monitoring waste management
and landfill sites through data
collected as well as site visits
and meetings with developers,
to make sure that they comply
with planning law, contractual
obligations and after care
• investigating potential and
alleged breaches of planning
legislation
• building databases - for waste
management and landfill, for
instance
• taking necessary enforcement
action (under the supervision of
senior planning officers).
• Validating planning applications
to ensure all necessary
information has been provided.
Skills & Interests
You’d need to:
• be meticulous - have an eye for
detail and accuracy
• be flexible, able to respond to a
range of requests and complete
them within a deadline
• have good communication skills -
you’d be dealing with all kinds
of people and would need to be
able to explain details of
planning conditions clearly and
succinctly, including writing
reports
• be a good team worker
• have an interest in all aspects of
the environment - both urban
and rural
Entry Requirements
To become a Planning Technician, you
usually need at least four GCSEs
Grades (grades A-C) or their
equivalent, including maths and a
subject that shows how proficient you
are in written English - such as
English, geography or history. Some
authorities may also specify a science
subject.
Sometimes new entrants have a BTEC
National or Higher National Certificate
or Diploma in Planning or Land
Administration.
Your training would be on-the-job
and you are likely to work towards
the HNC/HND or towards NVQ Level
3 in Town Planning Support.
There is also a distance learning
foundation course in planning -
details are available from Royal Town
Planning Institute (RTPI).
Estimated salary range
£14,000 - £21,000
Please note that salary information
is a guide only. For further
information about salaries for
particular positions, please contact
your local council directly.
Future prospects &
opportunities
There’s a promotion structure within
Planning departments, with
opportunities to become a Senior
Technician, responsible for the work
of several staff - although you may
have to move authority for
promotion. There are also jobs for
Planning Technicians outside local
government.
Technical Membership of the RTPI
can be gained after satisfying the
Institute that you have the required
mixture of qualifications and
experience (normally one of the
qualifications mentioned above and
at least two years’ relevant
experience of work).
Once you’ve obtained the BTEC/SQA
National level qualification, you may
be able to train further to become a
professional Planner.
8 Building Control Officer
Work Environment
Some of the time is spent in offices
writing reports, commenting on plans
etc with the remainder of the time
on building sites of varying size
making regular inspections on the
work of builders.
Daily Activities
Almost every new building or
structural alteration requires building
regulation approval.
Applications for such approval are via
the Local Authority Building Control
or to a private Approved Inspector.
Once approval has been granted, it is
the Building Control Officer’s job to
inspect the work at various stages.
In addition to their work on the
building regulations, if consulted at a
sufficiently early stage in a building
project, their advice can save time
and money on a range of issues.
Building Control Officers work in the building industry,
ensuring that regulations on public health, safety,
energy conservation and disabled access are met.
Around 3,000 building control offices are employed in
local government or approved inspectors throughout
the UK.
Ultimately they have powers to Entry Requirements
prosecute builders if the work does
These vary according to the type of
not conform to the specified
work and entry level. Some councils
requirements, although they would
may require a minimum five GCSE
prefer to use this as a means of last
grade passes at grade C or better,
resort. Most of the routine
including maths, a science and proof
inspections are conducted as work
of English language ability. Many
progresses on site. Building control
employers will look to degree-level
officers may be involved from
anything from a kitchen extension to
entrants, however. There is an NVQ
Level 4 in Building Control available,
an entire town-centre complex. They
providing an alternative route into
normally keep a running record of
the profession.
how each project is progressing and,
once complete, may issue a
Length of training varies according to
certificate.
the trainee’s background, with non-
graduate entrants normally obtaining
While the majority of the work is
a BTEC National or Higher National
concerned with construction, building
Diploma or Certificate in Building
control departments within local
Studies or Construction via day or
government also approve
block release. These are followed by
demolitions and carry out surveys of
professional examinations set by the
potentially dangerous buildings.
Association of Building Engineers or
Some inspections may arise in the
the Royal Institute of Chartered
wake of comments from members of
Surveyors.
the public calling to say they believe
a particular building looks dangerous,
Graduate entrants may be exempted
or that it has suffered as the result of
from some stages.
an accident or the weather. This
tends to happen a great deal after
storms and freak weather conditions. Estimated salary range
£14,000 - £33,000 depending on
Skills & Interests skills and experience
Building Control Officers must have a Please note that salary information is
broad knowledge of all aspects of a guide only. For further information
building work, in addition to being about salaries for particular positions,
familiar with complex building please contact your local council
regulations and legislation. They directly.
must have the technical knowledge
in order to talk authoritatively with Future prospects &
site managers and builders.
opportunities
They must be good communicators Building Control Officers can move
both in writing and verbally, and into Senior and Principal Building
posses excellent organisational and Control Officers’ posts, and then onto
administrative skills. An interest in the Head of Service.
building is a must, as is the ability to
relate well with people and Officers usually move to another
demonstrate a logical approach to council to gain promotion, although
problem solving. this is not always necessary.
9 Access Officer
Introduction
Getting into many buildings, onto a bus or climbing stairs can often be difficult at the best of times.
If you are disabled in any way, it can be a nightmare. Nowadays, most local councils have access officers
who are sometimes called ‘access design officers’ or ‘disabilities officers’ They are responsible for
negotiating with developers and designers to procure best access standards in all the council’s buildings
and highways: to make it easy for everybody to come and go about their business. And, it is not only the
disabled who benefit. The old, infirm, the unwary – anybody - can find uneven pavements, dropped kerbs, car
parking threatening. In some councils this role may be part of the Property or Social Services Department.
Work Environment
This involves both office and outside
work. There are meetings to attend
and sites to visit – to examine the
reality of planning applications,
oversee highway and landscape
developments, for example - as well
as travelling to other departments
within the council and to external
agencies.
Daily Activities
Organising programmes of access
improvements to council owned
buildings to comply with internal
guidelines and the Disability
Discrimination Act (DDA) is a long-
term objective that involves liaison
with Members, managers, colleagues,
voluntary agencies (carers groups, the
Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Age Concern,
Access Alliance etc) and members of
the public. It will also mean advising
and negotiating with architects,
surveyors, developers, designers,
contractors, council building services
and health and safety personnel. The
access officer is central to the
development and promotion of the
council’s policy on accessibility that
will also include training others, and
producing guidelines and standards.
On an ongoing basis the access officer
will:
• keep a database for the use of
designers, service departments
and government audits
• carry out access audits and
surveys
• prepare or contribute to
adaptation programmes and
monitor progress
• submit reports to management
and occasionally to members
• provide advice in response to
requests, comments and
complaints from all concerned
with disability access
• be responsible for advice on all
technical and legislative
developments
• produce and update access
guidelines using desktop
publishing programmes
• publicise the council’s access
policies through leaflets, articles,
meetings, photographs,
exhibitions, website, intranet
and training sessions
• set up systems to ensure that
best access practice is adhered to
and the needs of users, local and
national voluntary organisations
are being met
• monitor planning applications
and advise planning and building
control officers on access
legislation
Skills & Interests
It is essential to have:
• good communication skills
• computer and computer aided
design literacy
• the ability to liaise and negotiate
at a number of levels within an
organisation
• the ability to work on own
initiative as well as part of a team
• an understanding of, and
sympathy with, the diverse
needs of people who experience
access difficulties through
disability or any other reason
• the capacity to maintain clear
records and update database
information
• knowledge of the Disability
Discrimination Act
• an awareness of the workings of
access associations and other
voluntary organisations.
It would also be useful to have
experience of organising seminars
and training sessions and producing
publicity material.
Entry Requirements
A degree or equivalent qualification
in architecture, surveying or related
discipline is usually required. It is
desirable to have had training in
access issues. It is usually essential
to have the following experience:
• minimum three years in
architecture, surveying or
other building discipline
• designing accessible environments
• carrying out access audits
• managing projects and driving
them to completion within budget
and deadlines
• preparing working drawings and
specifications
• supervising building work on site.
In addition, it can help to have
personal experience of access barriers
due to disability or other reasons; and
to have managed budgets.
Estimated salary range
£23,748 – £29,124
Please note that salary information is
a guide only. For further information
about salaries for particular positions,
please contact your local council
directly.
Future prospects &
opportunities
As society is becoming more and
more concerned with equal
opportunities and rights, this is a
growing area. With increasing
legislation, from both internal
government edict and European
Union mandate, it is likely that the
’access industry’ will offer many more
chances for career advancement.
There are also parallel opportunities
in the buildings and property services
at higher grades.
 Technical Assistant
Providing support in
Planning/Development Control
registering and processing planning
applications, gathering and collating
information
Primary Tasks
General interest in Planning
Communication skills
Ability to use IT to input data
accurately and produce detailed
reports.
Knowledge
Core Skills/
GCSE level standard of education or
prepared to undertake study.
Qualifications
Working toward technical
qualification in Planning
Development
Technical Officer
Ensure that the processing of
planning applications are managed
effectively and efficiently. Supervise
and organise the work of Technical
Assistants. Undertake checks on
applications, appeals and
enforcement matters.
Ability to interpret planning
legislation and council policy, and
able to explain to others. Good
organisational skills and an ability
to prioritise work to meet
deadlines.
Recognised Planning qualification
eg. BTEC Level 3 in Planning, Land
Administration or Town Planning
Support or equivalent or prepared
to undertake study.
Working toward Technical
membership of RTPI.
Planning/ Development
Control Officer
Dealing with planning applications
and providing advice and guidance
to the public and developers about
making the most of land and its
resources, whilst considering the
environment.
Detailed knowledge of planning
legislation, policies, and procedures.
Ability to assess planning
applications gathering and
interpreting complex data, mediate,
conciliate and negotiate to achieve
national, regional and local
objectives.
Degree or planning qualification
recognised by the Royal Town
Planning Institute (RTPI).
Developing experience in Planning.
Working towards Chartered
membership of RTPI.
Senior Planning/
Development Control
Officer
Dealing with complex planning
applications and provide advice and
guidance to colleagues and
subordinates, and undertake other
task roles as directed.
Comprehensive knowledge of
planning legislation, polices and
procedures. Ability to provide
professional, legal and practical
advice and guidance to Planning
Officers and technical support staff.
Assessment of Professional
Competence for Chartered
membership of Royal Town Planning
Institute.
Evidence of continuing professional
development.
Developing supervisory experience
and possibly management
experience. Vocational qualification
at MSc or diploma level.
Principal Planning/
Development Control
Officer
Responsible for the work, staff and
resources of an area team.
Contribute to the development and
effective performance of the
Planning function.
As Senior Planning Officer plus:
Supervisory skills. Specialist
knowledge and expertise within
planning. Ability to prepare and
monitor the section’s financial
budget. Contribute to the
formulation of council planning
policies and strategies.
Interpretation of national and
council policy documents.
Chartered membership of Royal
Town Planning Institute. Evidence of
continuing professional
development and extensive
experience, which would include
supervisory experience.
The development of management
skills by experience and training.
Vocational qualification at MSc or
diploma level.
Head of Service
Responsible within the statutory
and policy framework to lead,
develop and manage obligations
for the posts
and standards to deliver an
effective and efficient statutory
Planning service. Overall
responsibility for resources.
As Principal Planning Officer plus:
Ability to lead, manage, and
develop the planning team.
Ability to manage and control
financial budget.
Able to formulate and disseminate
planning policies and strategies.
Chartered membership of Royal
Town Planning Institute Evidence of
continuing professional
development, which might include
qualification at MSc or diploma level
with management training and
supervisory experience.
Corporate involvement and working
with other local authorities, Regions
and professional bodies eg RTPI,
The career opportunities in planning in local government are challenging and
interesting. Set out below are the job roles, core skills and qualifications needed
10 Career routes and qualifications
 Technical/ Administration
Assistant
Providing support in Buidling Control
registering and processing building
consent applications, gathering and
collating information
Primary Tasks
General interest in Building Control.
Communication skills
Ability to use IT to input data
accurately and produce detailed
reports.
Knowledge
Core Skills/
GCSE level standard of education or
prepared to undertake study.
Qualifications
Working toward technical
qualification in Building Control
Development
Technical Officer/
Assistant Building Control
Officer
Ensure that the processing of
building consent applications are
managed effectively and efficiently.
Supervise and organise the work of
Technical Assistants. Undertake
checks on applications, appeals and
enforcement matters.
Ability to interpret building
legislation and council policy, and
able to explain to others. Good
organisational skills and an ability
to prioritise work to meet
deadlines.
Basic knowledge of building
regulations.
Recognised Building qualification
eg. BTEC National in Construction or
equivalent or prepared to undertake
study.
Working toward Technical
membership of RICS (Royal Institute
of Chartered Surveyors or ABE
(Association of Building Engineers)
or equivalent
Building Control
Officer
Dealing with applications for new
buildings and structural alterations
to ensure they are safe, accessible,
energy efficient and conform to
building regulations. Undertake
inspection of work at various stages
of construction.
Detailed knowledge of building
regulations and legislation, policies,
and procedures. Ability to assess
applications gathering and
interpreting complex data, mediate,
conciliate and negotiate to achieve
national, regional and local
objectives.
Degree or Building qualification
recognised by RICS (Royal Institute
of Chartered Surveyors, ABE
(Association of Building Engineers)
or equivalent
Developing experience in Planning.
Working towards Chartered
membership of RICS (Royal Institute
of Chartered Surveyors, ABE
(Association of Building Engineers)
or equivalent
Senior Building Control
Officer
Dealing with complex applications
and provide advice and guidance to
colleagues and subordinates, and
undertake other task roles as
directed.
Advanced knowledge of building
regulations and legislation, polices
and procedures. Ability to provide
professional, legal and practical
advice and guidance to Building
Control Officers and technical
support staff.
Assessment of Professional
Competence for RICS (Royal Institute
of Chartered Surveyors, ABE
(Association of Building Engineers)
or equivalent
Developing supervisory experience
and possibly management
experience. Vocational qualification
at MSc or diploma level.
Principal Building Control
Officer
Responsible for the work, staff and
resources of one Building Control
section.
Contribute to the development and
effective performance of the
Building Control function.
As Senior Building Control Officer
plus: Supervisory skills. Specialist
knowledge and expertise of
building regulations and legislation.
Ability to prepare and monitor the
section’s financial budget.
Contribute to the formulation of
council policies and strategies.
Interpretation of national and
council policy documents.
Assessment of Professional
Competence for RICS, ABE or
equivalent.
Evidence of continuing professional
development and extensive
experience, which would include
supervisory experience.
The development of management
skills by experience and training.
Vocational qualification at MSc or
diploma level.
Head of Service
Responsible within the statutory
and policy framework to lead,
develop and manage obligations
and standards to deliver an
effective and efficient statutory
Building Control service. Overall
responsibility for resources.
.
As Principal Building Control Officer
plus:
Ability to lead, manage and develop
the building control team.
Ability to manage and control
financial budget.
Able to formulate and disseminate
building control policies and
strategies.
Chartered membership of RICS, ABE
or equivalent. Evidence of
continuing professional
development, which might include
qualification at MSc or diploma level
with management training and
supervisory experience.
Corporate involvement and working
with other local authorities, Regions
and professional bodies eg LABC,
RICS, ABE.
out below are the job roles, core skills and qualifications needed for the posts.
The career opportunities in Building Control are challenging and interesting. Set
11 Education
Planning
Planning is a professional occupational
and to become fully qualified you will
need either an undergraduate or
postgraduate degree in planning
accredited by the Royal Town Planning
Institute. The Universities in the
Yorkshire & Humber region providing
accredited courses are:

University Undergraduate Degrees Postgraduate Degrees

• MA in Town and Regional Planning

• MA in Local and Regional Regeneration
• MA Heritage Planning
• MA in Professional Housing Studies
• Joint Distance Learning MA in Town
and Country Planning

• Master in Planning • MSc in Urban and Regional Planning

• BA(Hons) Planning Studies • MSc in Urban and Regional Planning
• BA(Hons) Planning and Transport (Transport)
• MSc Urban Regeneration

• MPlan in Urban Studies and Planning • MA in Town and Regional Planning

• MArch in Architecture and Town and
Regional Planning, preceded by BA in
Architecture
• MA International Development and
Planning

Education programmes encompasses a wide range of full time, part time and distance learning qualifications in
combined, spatial and specialist planning programmes. Planning is not static and the education programmes reflect this
by the continuous development of new degree courses. For details of more universities and accredited courses visit the
Royal Town Planning Institute website at www.rtpi.org.uk.
Building Control
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Association of Building
Engineers (ABE) sets professional qualifications in Building Control. There are a
range of undergraduate or postgraduate degrees accredited by RICS or ABE. The
Universities in the Yorkshire & Humber region providing accredited courses are:

University Undergraduate Degrees Postgraduate Degrees

• BSc Hons Building Surveying • MSc Building Surveying

• BSc Hons Quantity Surveying • MSc Facilities Management
• MSc Quantity Surveying Commercial
Management

• BSc Hons Building Surveying • MA Housing Policy and Practice

• BSc Hons Business Property
Management
• BSc Hons Property Development
• BSc Hons Quantity Surveying
• BSc Hons Urban Land Economics
• BSc Hons Building Engineering
• MBA Business and Real Estate
• MSc Construction Management
• MSc Cost Management
• MSc Environmental Management for
Business and Commerce
• MSc Project Management
• MSc Property Appraisal and
Management
• MSc Real Estate Construction and
Development
• MSc Real Estate Investment and
Management
• MSc Urban and Regional Planning
• MSc Urban Regeneration
• MSc / MBA Facilities Management

• MA Commercial Property
• MA Planning & Development

Education programmes encompasses a wide range of full time, part time and distance learning qualifications. For details
of more universities and accredited courses visit the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors website at www.rics.org.uk
or the Association of Building Engineers website at www.abe.org.uk.
Other routes into a career in
Planning or Building Control
The professional qualifications detailed above provide a direct entry route into a
career in planning or building control. There are also a wide range of other courses
which can provide entry into a career in planning or building control. For further
details contact your local college.

Alternatively local government trains
and develops its staff. Many councils
run specific training programmes,
such as graduate training schemes,
management training programmes,
training to gain professional
qualifications, Apprenticeships and
positive action schemes. For example
the East Riding of Yorkshire Council
working with the IDeA, Bishop
Burton College and Hull University
have developed the UK’s first work
based learning foundation degree in
Planning and Development Studies.
For more information please visit

www.bishopb-college.ac.uk.

For a copy of the course prospectus download the 2008 higher education prospectus at
www.bishopburton.ac.uk/downloads/HE%20Prospectus.pdf and go to pages 65 and 66.
12 Why work in local government
Community
Local government employees contribute to the local community whilst working
in a dynamic, fair and flexible environment. Whoever you are and whatever your
background, working in local government gives you the opportunity not only to
develop your career, but also to make a difference in people’s lives.

Diversity
As well as the huge diversity of work,
there are people from many different
backgrounds working in local
government. Local government
values the contributions different
people make and recognises that the
strength of an organisation lies in
having a diverse workforce.
Flexibility
Due to the broad range of
occupations in local government,
there have always been many
different patterns of work. Some jobs
may require you to work a full time
week of 37 hours, but there may
often be part-time and job share
opportunities, or shift work.

Local councils are equal opportunities There is a great degree of flexibility

employers and have recruitment in all areas of local government work
policies and practices, which ensure and many employees benefit from
that no person will be discriminated flexible working hours, term-time
against for reasons of race, gender, working, compressed weeks and
age, sexual orientation, disability, career breaks.
religion, culture, language or HIV
status. This commitment to equality
of opportunity and respect for
diversity extends not only to
employees, but also to service users.

Training
Local government trains and develops
its staff. Many councils run specific
training programmes, such as
graduate training schemes,
management training programmes,
training to gain professional
qualifications, Apprenticeships and
positive action schemes. However,
you don't need to be on one of these
schemes to benefit, as the
commitment to training includes
everybody. All new members of staff
within a council receive an induction
and most have regular appraisals
with their line managers, enabling
them to identify training needs.
12 Why work in local government
continued
Local authorities provide a wide
range of benefits to motivate, reward
and recognise employees. These are
just some of the additional benefits
available. For further information
about benefits for particular positions,
please contact your local council
directly
Work/life balance
Local authorities acknowledge that all
employees need to balance home life
with meeting their work
commitments. These are some of our
work/life balance policies:
• Flexible Working Hours
• Family Leave Policy
• Job Share Policy
• Career Break Scheme
• Parental Leave
• Maternity Leave
• Adoption Leave
• Paternity Leave
• Child care vouchers
Pension provisions
We offer membership of the Local
Government Pension Scheme
(L.G.P.S.), an excellent final salary
Benefits - As well as a fair and competitive salary,
there are a wide range of benefits working for local
government, not least, the great feeling of being able
to help people in your own community and do
something worthwhile and rewarding.
scheme which provides a substantial Car allowances
range of benefits including: - Where applicable and subject to
• Index-linked benefits to keep pace approval:
with inflation • Casual or essential user car
• Guaranteed benefits based on a allowances
set formula • Car loan facilities
• Life assurance • Car leasing
• Early retirement options/ill heath • Free or discounted parking
benefits
• Tax relief on contributions Other benefits
• Transfer rights (within 12 months) • Removal and re-location expenses
in approved cases
Holiday entitlement • A smoke-free working
Annual leave provision in local environment
government is competitive and • Union membership
increases depending on the grade of • Employee awards for long service,
the post and length of service. In excellent performance and
addition there are 8 statutory public achievement
holidays and 2 extra statutory public • Occupational Health Service
holidays. • Employee counseling service
• Strong commitment to Health &
Safety
• Wide range of job opportunities
A number of local authorities have
also negotiated discounts on a wide
range of products and services
including:
• Entertainment
• Holidays & travel
• Sports & fitness
• Leisure time & days out
• Fashion & clothing
• Health & beauty
• Home & garden
• Cars & motoring
13 Where can I find out more?

Further Information & Services

Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

www.rtip.org.uk

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

www.rics.org.uk

Association of Building Engineers (ABE)

www.abe.org.uk

Local Authority Building Control

www.labc.uk.com

For more information on careers in Planning & Building Control and other ‘Building and
Protecting Your Community’ occupations use this link to the local government careers website.

www.lgcareers.com/career-descriptions
What should I do next?
Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:
• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting your local council to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in - ring your local council to see if someone can spare
some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.

Look for current vacancies in the following places:

For further information about working in Planning & Building Control in East Riding of Yorkshire
Council e-mail recruiter@eastriding.gov.uk

For current job vacancies use this link.

http://www.recruiteastriding.co.uk/

For further information about working in Planning in Hull City Council email
planning.policy@hullcc.gov.uk . For information about Building Control email
hull.building.control@hullcc.gov.uk .

For current job vacancies use this link.

http://www.hullcc.gov.uk/

For further information about working in Planning in North Lincolnshire Council email
planning@northlincs.gov.uk . For information about Building Control email
building.control@northlincs.gov.uk

For current job vacancies use this link.

http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/NorthLincs/jobsandcareers/

For further information about working in Planning in North East Lincolnshire Council email
planning@nelincs.gov.uk

For current job vacancies use this link.

http://www.nelincs.gov.uk/jobscareers/

For further information about working in Building Control in North East Lincolnshire Council email
lbc@lincsbc.gov.uk

For current job vacancies use this link.

http://www.nelincs.gov.uk/jobscareers/

This document has been produced by the Humber Improvement Partnership supported by the IDeA and through Capacity
Building funding from Local Government Yorkshire & Humber, to raise awareness of the career opportunities available in
Planning & Building Control.