Planning Officer Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Before your Planning Officer interview, it helps to see the questions from the interviewer's side. We have picked eight from our set of 25 and added the reason each one gets asked.

Eight Planning Officer interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. How do you determine a planning application, and what is the statutory basis for that decision?

Why they ask: This is the core test of whether you understand the legal framework for decision-making.

2. What are material planning considerations? Give some examples of what is and is not material.

Why they ask: A very common question that checks your ability to separate planning issues from non-planning ones.

3. Explain the Use Classes Order and give examples of changes of use that may or may not need planning permission.

Why they ask: Use class knowledge is used daily in householder and commercial cases.

4. What is permitted development, and how would you advise on a householder rear extension?

Why they ask: Householder advice is a regular part of the job and needs accuracy.

5. What is the National Planning Policy Framework and how does the presumption in favour of sustainable development work?

Why they ask: Policy knowledge is key for decision-making and appeals.

6. You are recommending approval of an application that has attracted 80 objections. How do you prepare for committee?

Why they ask: Tests how you manage contentious cases openly and fairly.

7. Tell me about a difficult planning application you handled and how you reached your recommendation.

Why they ask: They want evidence of sound planning judgement.

8. Why did you choose a career in planning, and where do you see yourself in five years?

Why they ask: They look for commitment to the profession and realistic development plans.

A sample answer to question 1

How do you determine a planning application, and what is the statutory basis for that decision?

Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and section 70(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 require applications to be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. So I start by identifying relevant policies in the adopted Local Plan and any neighbourhood plan, and assess whether the proposal accords with them. I then consider material considerations, such as the National Planning Policy Framework, supplementary guidance, consultee responses, representations from neighbours, and any relevant appeal decisions. I weigh these in a balanced way and set out my reasoning clearly in the officer report, with a recommendation to approve with conditions or refuse with reasons. Non-planning matters, such as loss of private views or competition, are not material and I would not give them weight.

Common mistake to avoid: Treating the NPPF as overriding the Local Plan automatically; counting objections rather than assessing planning issues

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 25 questions are on the Planning Officer interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.