Brief Description
This role is for a Town Planner position within Network Rail’s Southern Property Team.
We have a fantastic opportunity within our Town Planning team to provide a high quality and efficient Town Planning service to assist with the delivery of a safe, reliable and efficient railway.
As the Town Planner you will be required to secure consents required for the delivery of works on Network Rail's infrastructure with its Southern Region. You will also support our Property function which is responsible for generating sustainable income from our diverse estate, to be reinvested into our rail infrastructure.
Reporting into the Senior Town Planner, you will work closely with project teams in the delivery of advice, planning and heritage consents as well, utilising Network Rail’s Permitted Development Rights where possible. You will also provide expert advice on complex and sensitive projects affecting the large number of listed buildings and structures in our ownership.
Some exciting projects include, renewal and enhancement of heritage infrastructure, delivery of station and track enhancements, change of use of assets (e.g., railway arches) and support the accommodation needs for our workforce.
About the role (External)
1.Maintain strong relationships with, and be responsive to the needs of, individual customers on specific projects and programmes across the range of Town Planning services.
2.Support existing relationships with external stakeholders to facilitate delivery of Town Planning services, on specific projects and programmes, through external processes. Deliver advice and consents to support the delivery programme.Represent Network Rail externally in negotiations on less complex technical Town Planning issues.
3.To develop and maintain close and effective working relationships with internal colleagues to enable efficient and effective service delivery.
4.Deliver an efficient and effective Town Planning service to the specified client group(s) including (but not limited to) preparing and submitting statutory planning and related notifications and applications, submitting appeals, responding to statutory development plan consultations and providing development appraisals.Provide professional direction, representation and support for less complex projects to internal clients and external stakeholders to maximise asset value and minimise project risk.
5.Provide technical leadership on the full range of Town Planning services.
6.Identify and implement changes required to support Town Planning services overall strategy and the delivery of efficient and effective services. Provide input to the provision of strategic and tactical support and guidance on development programmes and projects.
7.Responsible for Town Planning support to less complex projects.
8.Support the resourcing and management of Town Planning services to the client group and ad hoc projects/programmes for the work area.
Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Essential
·Educated to degree level or equivalent
·Participating in, or eligible for, for RTPI or RICS licentiate scheme
·Strong communication and negotiation skills
Desirable
·Some town planning PQE
·Understanding of heritage legislation and issues
·Understanding of environmental legislation and issues
·Full Driving Licence