Development Technical Officer Review

I worked in Cornwall Council's planning department. Responsibilities included:
• Registering and validating new planning applications.
• Determining minor planning applications such as: Householder, Work to Trees, Discharge of Conditions, Do I Need Permission enquiries.
• Negotiating and liaising with agents/applicants
- Occasional site visits and displaying site notices

My responsibilities increased over the course of the placement. Initially, I undertook training and learnt about the software used for dealing with planning applications. During the first few months, I registered and validated planning applications submitted to the planning department. For the remainder, I determined planning applications such as Householder, Works to Trees, Discharge of Conditions and ‘Do I Need Permission’ enquires.

I developed an understanding of the planning process and planning policy and gained
skills necessary for a career in a planning-related role, such as communication and team-work.

Initially, I had training so that I could get used to the software and types of planning application. There were also weekly team meetings and I had regular 1-1 meetings. When in the office, I could speak to a colleague for advice or if at home, I could contact anyone via Teams.

Within my team in the planning department, the culture and atmosphere was positive.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Yes