Senior Planning Officer BCP is seeking curious, creative and ambitious individuals to be a part of their journey in planning for the future growth and prosperity of the region. We are looking to welcome candidates with the desire to make an impact and feel confident sharing their ideas. The Councils team ethos is one which encourages collaboration and thoughtful contribution towards how the Council delivers their planning service, to best serve the interests of the community and region. Job Overview Within the Development Management (DM) team, in partnership with others, to deliver expert Planning advice to internal and external customers, process planning applications, pre-application enquiries and to defend the Council’s decisions on appeal to ensure the natural and built environment of BCP Council is safeguarded and to promote sustainable development. Key Responsibilities Appraise and make recommendations and decisions on a wide range of planning applications (these will often be major developments and/or complex and controversial applications) against Local and National Planning Policy, regulations, and legislative frameworks to ensure that applications are compliant with requirements and BCP Council’s vision. Assist the Team Leaders in the allocation of work and the signing off of planning applications, pre-application responses and other work requiring senior level sign off. Conduct public consultations in line with statutory requirements and Council policy to ensure that all parties affected by potential development can provide comment and appropriate input. Respond to planning related enquiries from the Public, Councillors, prospective Applicants, and all other Customers to deliver timely and constructive advice and information including assisting in arranging Planning Performance Agreements. Provide mentoring and support to Planning Officers to ensure appropriate and effective service is delivered to the required standard. Provide planning related advice and guidance through the pre-application process to all customers and interested parties to help ensure that future planning applications will be aligned to Local and National Planning Policy. Represent the Council and deal with planning appeals Negotiate with External Agencies and Applicants to ensure that defined environmental betterment and housing quotas are delivered in planning applications Specific Qualifications and Experience Willingness to work towards membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute Experience of working in the development industry on cases with a range of complexity or ability to demonstrate relevant transferable skill Knowledge of planning legislation such as Town and Country Planning Act, National Policy Framework, Legislation and Planning Practice Guidance. Understanding of the Development Management process Ability to translate complex information, provide professional advice and guidance and to present information to a range of stakeholders in a clear and precise manner Ability to demonstrate strong project management skills Experience of negotiation and interpretation of complex technical detail. Proven experience in considering different customer needs and adapting communications and processes accordingly. Proven experience in making decisions including managing frequently conflicting priorities and deadlines. Personal Qualities & Attributes Self-motivated and self-reliant with excellent teamworking skills High level of personal resilience and calm under pressure Willingness to learn and respond to new challenges and changes and be able to adapt to these Confidence and ability to make decisions Ability to recognise and resolve barriers Awareness and ability to anticipate the need for support or personal development Good interpersonal and communication skills; able to develop and maintain relationships with customers and colleagues; emotional intelligence Willingness and ability to support and challenge others, whilst maintaining own workload An ability to find positive and practical solutions to problems Commitment to quality output and outcomes Attention to detail and ability to deliver work to tight deadlines and be flexible in managing workloads