Planning Assistant

Planning Assistant - Belfast City Council

Belfast, BT2 8GD | Temporary, 13 weeks | £13.45 PAYE | 37 hours per week

Hatched Recruitment Group is recruiting a Planning Assistant on behalf of Belfast City Council, to join the Planning Service within the Place and Economy Department. This is a temporary role covering a peak in workload, with an anticipated start date of 1st September 2026 and a duration of 13 weeks.

About the role

You'll provide support to Planning and Place officers across a range of planning-related duties, including:

• Assisting with the processing of planning applications and breaches of planning control
• Helping prepare reports and agreeing recommendations with the Senior Planning Officer
• Responding to planning enquiries from members of the public by phone, email, and in person
• Carrying out site visits across Belfast to research planning histories and gather site information
• Providing cover and advice to business support officers on validation, consultation, and publicity
• Contributing to studies supporting Belfast's new development plan

Working pattern

3 days in the office, 2 days remote after an initial training period.

What you'll need

• To be studying towards a relevant third-level qualification (e.g. Planning and Property Development) or equivalent
• A full driving licence valid in Northern Ireland, with access to a car for official business (or an alternative that meets the travel requirements of the role)
• No prior experience required - this role is well suited to those looking to build a career in planning
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to deal with sensitive or confidential information appropriately
• Good IT skills across standard office software
• The ability to work well independently and as part of a team

To apply, you must be able to provide:

• Proof of eligibility to work in the UK
• A valid driving licence

Interested candidates should apply promptly