Job Title: Planning Officer Directorate: Prosperity, however, may be required to work in any Directorate across the Council Department: Planning, however, may be required to work in any Department across the Council Location: Church Street Offices, Newtownards,but may be required to work at any location throughout the Borough Reports to: Senior Planning Officer Salary Scale: SO1 SCP to 36,124 per annum Car User Status: Casual PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST Planning plays a vital role in delivering sustainable development that is responsive to the priorities and needs of local people. The post holder will be required to contribute to the effective service delivery of the Planning Department in furthering sustainable development through balancing of complex social, economic and environmental factors in formulating policies and plans, in determining planning applications and appropriate enforcement. The post holder may be required to work in any of the three sections of Development Management, Development Plan or Enforcement. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Validation and processing of planning applications under supervision of a senior officer. Undertaking site visits, participating in site meetings, writing up reports of visits, formulating professional opinions. Assisting with the preparation of material for planning appeals and public inquiries. Monitoring planning decisions and investigating suspected cases of unauthorised development, interviewing parties, taking statements, inspecting, surveying and photographing sites, writing up reports, representing the Council in the service of enforcement notices and acting as a witness at court and enforcement appeals. Assisting with the preparation of development plans, enhancement strategies and regeneration proposals for conservation areas, town centres and other selected settlements. Assisting with research into and preparation of reports relating to policy formulation and development control. Managing technical support staff (if any). Dealing with enquiries from the public, by telephone, correspondence and face to face. Operating IT Systems including Geographical Information System (GIS). To comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council Policies and legal requirement. To undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post. CATEGORY ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS A degree or equivalent in a recognised planning qualification e.g. Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Architecture, Urban Regeneration OR A HNC or equivalent in a recognised planning qualification e.g. Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Architecture, Urban Regeneration EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL This experience only applies if a degree or equivalent qualification is held: A minimum of 6 months experience working in a planning environment OR This experience only applies if a HNC or equivalent qualification is held: A minimum of two years experience working in a planning environment AND Experience in the preparation and presentation of planning application reports in relation to development and enforcement planning matters. Knowledge of relevant NI Planning Policy and Legislation KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES ESSENTIAL Competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications, email and computerised diary Ability to work unsupervised Excellent level of written and verbal communication skills Ability to manage workload and meet deadlines Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting work demands OTHER REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL A valid driving licence with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or have access to a suitable form of transport which will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post* Desirable: Membership of Royal Town Planning Institute or Irish Planning Institute