Development Management Officer

Posted 16 September 2025
Salary 23.32
LocationKettering NN16 United Kingdom
Job type Full time
Sector Architecture & Construction
ReferenceRQ1603454

Job description

3 months council with local authority

This role is integral to the Planning Service, working across Planning Policy, Development Management, and Enforcement functions. The postholder will manage tasks to meet operational demands, lead projects, and support policy development. Responsibilities include ensuring up-to-date guidance, implementing policies, preparing appeal statements, and managing planning submissions. The role also involves investigating planning control breaches to maintain public confidence and environmental quality in North Northamptonshire.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist senior colleagues and managers in the Planning Service.
  • Ensure high levels of customer service.
  • Support process improvement and systems review initiatives.
  • Take responsibility for personal development and continuous improvement.
  • Maximize personal productivity and produce high-quality, timely work outputs.
  • Attend evening and weekend meetings, committees, and exhibitions.
Policy:
  • Assist in developing policy and planning guidance, involving stakeholders and the public.
  • Conduct research to provide an evidence base for policy development.
  • Participate in projects to deliver local plan objectives.
  • Maintain broad knowledge of policy issues and develop specialist knowledge.
  • Provide guidance for communities on neighborhood plans.
  • Facilitate public events for community engagement.
  • Maintain databases and monitoring systems, analyzing evidence for policy development.
  • Provide policy observations on planning applications and advice to other departments.
  • Prepare statements for appeals and represent the Council at inquiries and hearings.
  • Assist with special projects and the procurement of professional consultants.
  • Develop the application of Information Technology in the planning policy process.
Development Management and Enforcement:
  • Assist in validating planning applications and submissions.
  • Manage a caseload of smaller planning applications and alleged breaches of planning control.
  • Prepare and present Committee reports on planning applications.
  • Negotiate to improve development proposals.
  • Provide advice on complex planning proposals and effective customer liaison.
  • Liaise with other departments and bodies to ensure comprehensive consideration of proposed developments.
  • Represent the Council as an expert planning witness at hearings and inquiries.
  • Handle service complaints and assist the Local Government Ombudsman in investigations.


Requirements


  • Strong understanding of planning policy and development management.
  • Experience in project management and policy development.
  • Ability to conduct research and analyze data for policy formation.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
  • Proficiency in Information Technology, including Geographical Information Systems.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
  • Commitment to personal development and continuous improvement.