Venesky-Brown’s client, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, is currently looking to recruit a Planning Officer (National & Major Projects). Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is the Planning Authority for the islands of the Outer Hebrides, an area renowned for its strong sense of community, environmental quality, beautiful scenery, outdoor opportunities, low crime rates, good educational opportunities and a strong cultural scene.
By 2027 the Isle of Lewis is to be connected to the National Grid via a 1.8GW radial interconnector cable that will release the large scale renewable energy development potential of the Outer Hebrides. Allied to this are proposals for significant development of electricity infrastructure, classed as National Development on account of its status as part of the National Grid. There is therefore a need to address the consenting requirements of a programme of National, Major and/or EIA development projects.
The Planning Officer in this position will provide professional planning services to enable the Comhairle to fulfil statutory planning duties and related services. Working within the Development Management team, the primary focus of the post will be to manage a caseload in respect of major projects, particularly those related to Renewable Energy developments, energy infrastructure, and related Housing.
Salary: £45,243 to £48,966/ annum, (inclusive of distant islands allowance), excellent holidays and pension. Role will be based in Stornoway.
Responsibilities:
- Achieve and maintain knowledge of legislation and regulations and emerging caselaw peculiar to EIA and Development Management.
- Carry out Development Management functions of the Comhairle including assessment of:
i. Larger scale Local and Major Applications for Planning Permission.
ii. EIA Applications.
iii. Applications for Certificates of Lawfulness of Proposed or Established Use or Development; and other planning related notifications and applications.
iv. Statutory consultations under Marine Licencing, S36 and S37 of the Electricity Act.
- Offer a pre-application advice service for planning proposals, interpret legislation and advise on need for planning consent.
- Undertake site visits as necessary, identify planning issues involved and negotiate and consult with applicant, agent, and consultees to achieve acceptable outcomes.
- Prepare and manage project plans and/or processing agreements for major developments.
- Provide formal Opinions and consultation responses in response to requests under EIA Regulations, Energy Consents, and Marine Licences etc.
- Critically and objectively examine Environmental Impact Assessment Reports as required by the EIA Regulations, identify deficiencies and necessary actions at an early stage, compile planning assessments having regard to the Development Plan (comprised of National Planning Framework 4 and the Outer Hebrides Development Plan) other material Planning Considerations including national planning guidance and standing advice.
- Prepare project brief(s) in the event of a need to tender and commission external specialist services to aid in discharge of the above duties.
- Prepare formal written Assessment Reports, balanced and reasoned recommendations including the preparation of schedules of conditions and Heads of Terms for planning input to Legal agreements.
- Prepare and deliver presentations on planning and related applications to the Planning Applications Board/ Comhairle.
- Carry out and record post-decision processes e.g. Norice of Intention to develop (NID), and the discharge of planning conditions.
- Monitor development to ensure compliance with planning conditions, legal agreements, providing advice, progression of remediation
- Prepare Appeal Statements and present evidence at Public Inquiries.
- Prepare submissions in defence of Comhairle decisions for appeals and hearings and public inquiries giving evidence of behalf of the Comhairle and attend related site visits
- Prepare draft precognitions of evidence and present at hearings and Public Inquiry giving evidence on behalf of the Comhairle and provide witness evidence in court.
Essential Skills:
- Clear knowledge of current planning legislation and procedures, and national planning policy and guidance.
- Clear knowledge of the purpose and operation of the planning system in Scotland.
- Knowledge of EIA processes.
- Good investigative, analytical and assessment skills.
- Good interpersonal, listening, negotiation, verbal and written communication skills.
- Plan-reading and assessment skills.
- Ability to organise and prioritise own workload and to plan systematically to meet deadlines.
- Able to read and interpret spatial data and use e-technology including MS office suite, internet and e-mail.
- Able to accept responsibility and work constructively within a small team.
- Hold Full or Associate Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
- Proven experience of a significant breadth and depth in Development Management work.
- Current driving licence.
- Willingness to undertake training to develop relevant skills.
- Willingness to attend and address evening meetings and be away overnight.
- Customer and solutions focused attitude.
Desirable Skills:
- Understanding of the development context and development challenges in the Outer Hebrides.
- Graphical or drawing skills.
- Ability to speak, read and write in Gaelic.
- Sensitivity to the Local Authority political environment.
- Use of case management and document management systems.
- Knowledge of Uniform database.
- Presenting to committee, preparing appeal statements and/or providing advice to Local Review Body.
If you would like to hear more about this opportunity please get in touch.