Senior Planning Officer
Location: Glebe Street, ST4 1RN
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 5+ Months
Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00, 37 Hours per week
Pay Rate: £ 40.00 per hour
Job Ref: (phone number removed)
Job Responsibilities
Provide professional planning services with a focus on supporting major and complex developments through the planning process.
Offer expert advice on planning law, policy, and guidance.
Examine and recommend decisions on complex major applications, ensuring compliance with legislation and policies.
Support work on CPOs, LDOs, and initiatives like Enterprise Zones.
Provide planning input for sustainable site and area-based regeneration priorities.
Advise senior officers and stakeholders on potential and actual major investment opportunities.
Authorize decisions on minor applications and identify regeneration project opportunities.
Provide planning support for regeneration projects and commission necessary research.
Write planning advice, commission expert advice, and serve as a professional witness in complex planning matters.
Coach colleagues, check work quality, and lead case review panels.
Monitor planning conditions, validate applications, and support the duty system.
Compile and present reports to committees, deputize for senior management, and maintain accurate records.
Engage in managing team performance and embrace new ICT systems.
Ensure effective communication with stakeholders and negotiate with the development industry.
Foster positive relationships within the Planning Services Division and organize public engagement exercises.
Coordinate work across the town and region, work evenings and weekends as required, and maintain confidentiality.
Promote a culture of opportunity, responsibility, and personal growth, and actively promote equality and diversity.
Seek improvement opportunities and test new ways to meet customer needs.
Person Specification
Relevant degree (or equivalent) and eligibility for chartered membership of the RTPI.
Excellent understanding of development management, enforcement, planning policy, and related considerations.
Specialist expertise in complex development proposals and policy or design.
Understanding of commercial motivations, opportunities, and constraints affecting businesses and developers.
Experience in assessing or preparing applications for planning permission, including complex schemes.
Successful negotiation with elected Members, developers, agents, and other stakeholders.
Ability to manage work to set timescales and understand performance management and project management approaches.
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong customer service skills and understanding of modern ICT systems.
Ability to travel efficiently between development sites and a proactive attitude to problem-solving.
Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and work as part of a team.
Willingness to continue professional development and work without support when needed.
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