Position Overview
Are you passionate about tackling climate change through the planning system and shaping truly sustainable places? West Berkshire Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Climate Planning Liaison Officer to join our Climate and Ecological Emergency Team, reporting to the Climate and Ecological Emergency Team Leader.
Role
The Climate Planning Liaison Officer will act as the key link between the Council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency Team and the Planning Service, with a focus on energy, carbon reduction and sustainable development. Main responsibilities include:
* Review planning applications to assess alignment with local and national sustainability and climate change policies, focusing on energy efficiency and carbon reduction.
* Provide expert advice on Local Plan policies DM4 (Building Sustainable Homes and Businesses) and SP5 (Responding to Climate Change).
* Assess energy strategies, the energy hierarchy, BREEAM standards, low and zero carbon technologies and carbon offsetting proposals.
* Prepare clear, robust written consultation responses, reports, presentations and committee advice.
* Support Development Management and Legal Services on planning conditions, agreements and carbon offsetting requirements.
* Act as the Council’s lead expert on carbon and energy at Planning Committees, planning appeals and inquiries.
* Support the management of the Council’s carbon offsetting fund.
* Work collaboratively across Council services and with developers, consultants, communities, Members and external organisations.
* Keep up to date with emerging policy, legislative and technical developments relating to carbon reduction, energy and sustainability in the planning system.
* Promote the Council’s climate change and sustainability objectives across the organisation.
Candidate Requirements
* A relevant degree (environment, energy, planning or similar) and significant professional experience.
* A recognised professional qualification such as Energy Assessor, CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessor, BREEAM Assessor/Advisor, ESOS Lead Assessor or equivalent.
* Considerable experience working within a planning or development management environment.
* Sound knowledge of energy, carbon and sustainability in the context of the UK planning system.
* Experience providing technical advice to planners, decision makers and elected Members.
* Excellent analytical, report writing, presentation and communication skills.
* Confidence working in a political environment and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
* Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
* Membership of ISEP (formerly IEMA) or another relevant professional body is desirable.
Benefits
* Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-21.00.
* Hybrid working wherever possible, working 40% in the office.
* Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.
* Generous Local Government pension scheme.
* Family-friendly policies.
* A range of local discounts.
* Wellbeing Programme, including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits.
* Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays) and increasing by 5 days after 5 years’ service.
Equal Opportunities
The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
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