We are offering student placements within our busy planning department for 2026/27 with opportunities available to work in Planning Policy and Urban Design, Planning Enforcement and Built Heritage.
The placements will be offered on a year-long basis and aim to provide valuable experience of working within a large local authority planning department.
These placements are intended for students who are either required, or have the opportunity, to take a year out from full-time education to gain practical experience within the planning sector. They would also be suitable for recent graduates seeking to develop their professional skills and experience.
The placements will last for 12 months. It is anticipated that the successful candidates will commence their placement in September 2026, subject to agreement on a suitable start date.
The placements will help you to develop your practical skills and knowledge of the planning system and develop your core competencies for future success in the workplace.
The job benefits from flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
The role
The precise role within the planning service that you are assigned to will vary according to business needs and your skills and preferences.
Planning Policy is responsible for preparing Northumberland’s statutory development plan comprising the Northumberland Local Plan, supplementary plans and neighbourhood plans. The plans are used to make decisions on planning applications. With work now underway on a new Local Plan, this is an exciting opportunity to join the team at a pivotal time and play a key role in shaping the future development of Northumberland. You will undertake research, data analysis and stakeholder engagement, and provide planning policy advice on planning applications to support the development management process. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience across a broad range of planning issues.
Urban Design is key to promoting high-quality, sustainable and locally distinctive development across Northumberland. With work underway on the preparation of a Housing Design Standards Supplementary Plan, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to shaping the quality and character of future housing development across the county. You will undertake research, site analysis and stakeholder engagement, supporting the preparation of design guidance, illustrations and evidence. You will also assist in providing design advice on planning applications to support the development management process.
Planning Enforcement plays a vital role in maintaining public confidence in the planning system by investigating alleged breaches of planning and taking appropriate action where necessary to protect the character and amenity of Northumberland’s towns, villages and countryside. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience within a busy planning enforcement service and develop an understanding of how planning legislation is applied in practice. You will support the team in investigating enforcement cases, carrying out research, analysing information and assisting with site visits and case monitoring.
Built Heritage plays a key role in conserving and enhancing Northumberland’s historic environment. The team provides specialist advice on heritage matters to support planning decisions and help protect the county’s distinctive character. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience within a specialist planning team. You will assist with research, site visits and the assessment of heritage issues, contributing to the consideration of planning applications and the preparation of guidance and evidence. Working alongside experienced professionals, you will develop your understanding of heritage conservation and the role it plays in shaping sustainable and attractive places.
Requirements of the job
- Working towards obtaining a relevant degree or professional qualification in Town Planning (RTPI accredited) or an associated profession
- Knowledge of the operational, procedural and practical issues relating to spatial planning and development management
- Effective communication skills
- Model high standards of honesty, integrity, openness, and respect for others
- A UK driving license is desirable and essential for Planning Enforcement
Northumberland County Council’s (NCC) vision is ‘Land of Great Opportunities’, for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work.
Why choose us?
We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:
- 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees)
Please note that this is a fixed term position.
