Northumberland National Park Authority
Job Description
Post:Planning Technical Officer
Department:Park Management – Planning and Policy
Responsible to:Head of Planning
Responsible for:No direct reports
Grade:Band 4
Term: Permanent
Hours: 3 days per week
Job purpose
* Under the direction of the Head of Planning and Policy, responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day administration of the Development Management Service.
* Support the work of the Planning team and its customers.
Key Result Areas
Statutory and regulatory work
* To receive, validate and register planning applications, undertake consultations, publicity and other correspondence as required.
* To draft, process and issue formal planning decision notices.
* To maintain, operate and be responsible for all adaptations to the Development Management IT system.
* To ensure that the Development Management service provides an efficient and professional service, with an emphasis on meeting performance and customer satisfaction targets.
* To collate, manipulate and interrogate GIS data, and accurately plot planning applications, pre-application enquiries and relevant constraints.
* To monitor progress on development sites in order to ensure that conditions and restrictions attached to planning and other associated approvals are complied with.
* To maintain accurate and up to date planning records.
* To carry out reporting of Development Management and other performance statistics.
* To jointly administer agendas and reports for the Development Management Committee, including producing maps using GIS and providing procedural information to consultees and objectors.
* To undertake administration in respect of planning appeals
* To advise potential planning applicants whether planning permission is required.
* To provide administrative support for the Planning Service including the Planning Officers, Head of Planning and Policy.
* To be responsible for accounting for monies received in respect of planning applications and pre-application enquiries.
* To be responsible for Local Land Charges enquiries received relating to planning land charges.
* To carry out website accessibility requirements for all documents uploaded to NNPA website
* To be responsible for planning customer satisfaction surveys including summarising responses using survey monkey or other programmes.
* To be aware of data protection requirements and be responsible to carrying out redaction of personal data in all planning documents
* Proactively support the promotion of equality and inclusion in all areas of work.
Support and Advocacy
* To assist the public, local communities, agents and Members of the Authority with planning related enquiries using a variety of media.
* To identify opportunities for improvements to the administrative and technical process and to implement change as required.
Policy Development and Implementation
* To provide administrative support in the preparation, monitoring and review of the Local Development Framework.
Partnership working and liaison
* To contribute towards meeting planning performance and customer satisfaction targets.
* Provide development management advice and support to other teams within the Authority.
* To liaise with statutory and other consultees to ensure timely response to consultations and to ensure contact information is maintained adequately.
Asset and Performance Management
* Reporting performance and statutory requirements in line with Authority obligations.
Other Duties
* Any other duties consistent with the nature, level and grade of the post as may be assigned by the Head of Planning and Policy or Director of Park Management.
Northumberland National Park Authority
Person Specification
Essential:
Knowledge
* Numeracy and literacy to GCSE level or equivalent
* Use of computer systems including GIS, Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet.
Skills
* Good verbal and written communication skills
* Good organisational skills and the ability to work accurately
* Basic ability to read scaled plans
Experience
* Experience of working in an office environment and providing administrative support.
* Use of social media (including for example websites and/or Intranets) in a work environment
Personal Qualities
* Good attention to detail when working under pressure
* Ability to work in a team environment and across teams
* Confidence in dealing with the public in a front office situation
* Ability to work effectively and to deadlines on own initiative
* Meet the physical requirements of the job which include carrying and setting up display material
* Willing to work a flexible pattern including occasional evenings and weekends
* Proven ability to travel to sites in order to fulfil the requirements of the post
Desirable:
* Educated to HNC level in a subject relevant to the delivery of planning services
* Experience in working in a support role delivering Planning services
* Current knowledge of procedures in respect of the Town and Country Planning Acts
* Technical membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute
* Knowledge of National Park Purposes
* Knowledge of specialist software – MasterGov, ArcSoft PhotoStudio, Customer satisfaction survey programmes