Overview
Welwyn Hatfield Council – a forward-thinking authority with community at the heart, serving Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and a significant rural Green Belt area – is seeking a Career Grade Development Management Officer to play a key part in delivering positive planning outcomes across a diverse range of developments.
Key Responsibilities
* Managing a busy and varied caseload of planning applications and estate management applications.
* Exercising delegated authority to make decisions on planning applications in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and Planning Scheme of Delegation.
* Performing the role of Duty Planning Officer in accordance with the weekly rota, providing advice and assistance to members of the public and others.
* Providing general planning advice by email, telephone and face-to-face meetings with applicants, agents, councillors, other services and members of the public.
* Providing pre-application advice via meetings, letters, emails and information notes.
* Working positively with applicants and other interested parties to solve planning problems.
* Researching and devising appropriate planning conditions to make developments acceptable in planning terms.
* Devising appropriate planning obligations, including negotiating Section 106 obligations.
* Working with the Section 106 Officer to monitor developments, planning applications and legal agreements.
* Working with and providing timely advice and assistance to the Planning Enforcement team.
* Organising and carrying out site visits in respect of pre-application enquiries, planning applications and appeals.
* Consulting statutory bodies, other organisations, councillors, town and parish councils, and members of the public.
* Writing professional, legible and comprehensive reports to enable decisions under delegated authority or the planning committee.
* Attending and presenting reports at planning committees and other planning meetings, dealing with issues raised.
* Preparing written representations for planning appeals and representing the Council at hearings and inquiries.
Skills and Experience
* Experience in professional town planning work.
* Knowledge and understanding of planning legislation, national and local planning policies, case law and material considerations.
* Awareness of the role and scope of spatial planning, development management and planning enforcement.
* Analytical and judgemental skills to interpret plans, information and data, identify issues and propose solutions.
* Ability to work independently and use initiative while managing workload efficiently.
* Strong communication skills, both oral and written, including negotiation with a range of parties.
* Ability to provide accurate information in response to planning legislation and policy enquiries.
* Ability to read and understand plans and maps.
* Ability to undertake site visits and travel around the district on foot, by public transport or by car.
* Willingness and ability to work evenings when required.
* Competence in using IT systems, including Word, Excel and GIS mapping.
* Commitment to continuous professional development.
* Ability to converse easily in accurate spoken English with staff and members of the public.
Salary
Salary: £34,431 – £49,608 per annum (inclusive of Outer Fringe Allowance), offered as a Career Grade Scheme from Planning Officer to Senior Planning Officer, with appointment dependent on experience.
Benefits
* Local Government Pension Scheme with 19.5% employer contribution.
* Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays and an additional day at Christmas.
* Flexible/hybrid working arrangements and a flexi-time scheme.
* Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave.
* Paid time off for special circumstances.
* 24/7 staff counselling, information and advice services.
* Wellbeing initiatives and events.
* Professional development opportunities, including certified courses, levy-funded training, coaching and mentoring.
* Employee recognition through long service and recognition awards.
* Discounts on leisure facilities, sports memberships, shopping and travel.
* Cycle-to-work scheme and pool bikes.
* Car parking and electric pool cars.
* Excellent public transport links.
Job details
* Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Strategy/Planning, Project Management, and Management
* Industries: Staffing and Recruiting, Housing and Community Development, and Community Development and Urban Planning
Note: This description is based on a public job posting for the Career Grade Development Management Officer role at Welwyn Hatfield Council, as advertised by Point 13 Jobs.
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