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Purpose of the Role

To assist in managing an area team within Development Management and to undertake all aspects of a Senior Development Management Planning Officer role. This includes assessing and reporting on planning applications, dealing with enforcement matters, and managing planning appeals.

At Principal Officer level, the postholder will also sign delegated decisions for specified types of applications on behalf of the Strategic Director.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide professional planning advice to applicants, developers, architects, agents, councillors and members of the public on proposed or potential development.
  

• Assist in the verification of planning applications prior to registration, ensuring validity, accuracy, and that appropriate consultation and publicity requirements are identified.
  

• Process a wide range of planning applications – including major or complex proposals – by assessing technical information, carrying out site visits, negotiating with applicants, and preparing recommendations for delegated decisions or Planning Sub-Committee.
  

• Prepare appeal statements and represent the Council at Informal Hearings, Inquiries and written representation appeals.
  

• Assist with the investigation of alleged unauthorised development and support enforcement activities as required.
  

• Attend Planning Sub-Committee meetings to advise Members, present reports and respond to queries on planning matters.
  

• Support the Team Leader in supervising Planning Officers within the team, including reviewing reports, guiding pre-application responses, monitoring workloads, managing performance and assisting with complaint resolution.
  

• Deliver excellent customer care, ensuring planning advice and decisions are clear, timely and accessible.
  

• Undertake other duties commensurate with the level of the post
  

Requirements

• Degree in Town & Country Planning or equivalent (Desirable).
  

• Eligibility for RTPI membership (Desirable).
  

• Significant experience in Development Management (Essential).
  

• Strong experience handling major planning applications (Essential).
  

• Experience representing a Council at Informal Hearings or Inquiries (Essential).
  

• Experience supervising or mentoring staff (Desirable).
  

• Strong organisational and workload management skills (Essential).
  

• Good understanding of Local Government processes and procedures (Essential).
  

• Experience using planning IT systems and digital tools (Essential).
  

• Full UK Driving License

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