Planning Obligations Officer

About the Role

The Planning Obligations Officer is pivotal in securing, overseeing, and managing developer contributions vital for infrastructure development linked to new projects. Positioned within the Planning Obligations and Systems Team, this role manages the entire lifecycle of planning obligations, from initial requests through receipt, tracking, and reporting contributions.

During the initial year, emphasis will be on enhancing the accuracy and completeness of planning obligations and development management data stored in the Council’s systems. The officer will collaborate closely with team members and stakeholders to identify and resolve historical data inconsistencies, improve data quality, and support the creation of dependable reporting tools. This foundational work supports service enhancement, reporting needs, and future organizational changes, including Local Government Reorganisation.

Alongside these tasks, responsibilities include responding to planning consultations, assisting in negotiations, monitoring agreements and contributions, pursuing outstanding obligations, and offering expert advice about developer contributions. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, proficiency with complex data sets, and the ability to foster productive partnerships both inside and outside the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the County Council's planning obligations stemming from development proposals, ensuring accurate recording and clear communication with local planning authorities.
• Spearhead efforts to review, cleanse, and validate planning obligations and development management data within corporate systems to enhance record accuracy and consistency.
• Collaborate with colleagues to establish robust data standards, upgrade reporting capabilities, and contribute to performance metrics, dashboards, and executive reports.
• Maintain and monitor planning obligations databases, tracking agreements, triggers, payments, expenditures, and related documentation meticulously.
• Assist in negotiations with developers, agents, local authorities, and internal departments to secure timely and appropriate developer contributions for infrastructure.
• Identify and pursue overdue developer contributions, ensuring compliance with obligations and optimizing infrastructure funding through planning processes.
• Drive continuous improvements in planning obligation systems, workflows, and data management to prepare for technological, legal, and structural changes, including Local Government Reorganisation.

Candidate Requirements

• Possess an NVQ Level 3 equivalent qualification along with relevant experience working in a local authority planning environment.
• Experience in public sector work and the ability to interpret S106 or similar legal agreements, preparing comprehensive written or verbal reports.
• Proven ability to work effectively within teams and independently with minimal supervision in customer-facing or frontline roles.
• Competency in handling numerical and financial data, including proficiency with IT systems for data management and retrieval.
• Demonstrated success in negotiating on complex or sensitive matters to secure and manage infrastructure funding, notably during economically challenging periods.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policy related to planning obligations, county and district planning duties, and planning application and enforcement processes.

Additional Information

This role offers a salary range of £36,621 to £40,458 per annum, prorated for part-time hours, with a 37-hour workweek, and is based at County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8RA. The position is permanent. The application deadline is 13 September 2026, with interviews scheduled for the week commencing 21 September (dates to be confirmed).

Leicestershire County Council encourages flexible working arrangements such as part-time, job sharing, term-time, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid work options, depending on role and service needs. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities, reflecting the Council's status as a Disability Confident Employer.

Applicants are expected to share the Council’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and equal service for all residents; evaluation of this commitment will form part of the selection process.