JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Senior Planning Officer Directorate: Regeneration, Development and Planning Department: Planning Location: Church Street Offices, Newtownards, but may be required to work anywhere throughout the Borough Reports to: Planning Manager Salary Scale: PO1 SCP 29 - 32 PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST Planning plays a vital role in delivering sustainable development that is responsive to the priorities and needs of local people. The post holder will be required to contribute to the effective service delivery of the Planning Service in furthering sustainable development through balancing of complex social, economic, and environmental factors in the formulation of policies and local development plans, in determining planning applications and investigating and carrying out appropriate enforcement of planning breaches. The post holder will be required to work in any of the three sections of Development Management, Development Plan or Planning Enforcement and Trees, dependent on management needs. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The day-to-day management and development of Planning Officers and any technical grade staff involved in processing planning applications, enforcement of planning controls (including trees), and preparation/monitoring of development plan. To examine, process and evaluate planning and related applications within informal targets and set statutory performance indicators, including undertaking site visits, negotiating/influencing outcomes with due regard to regional and local policy and guidance, and the preparation of professional Case Officer Reports presenting professional planning opinion and recommendations to senior management as required. Preparation of robust evidence for, and presentation at, Planning Committee, planning appeals, and court hearings. To represent the Council at stakeholder meetings, meetings with statutory and non-statutory consultees, members of the public, Local Development Plan workshops (both internal and external), meetings with developers and their agents and other organisations on planning-related matters, including outside normal office hours. Monitoring planning decisions and investigating alleged cases of breaches of planning, interviewing parties, taking statements, inspecting, surveying, and photographing sites, writing up reports, preparation of and service of enforcement notices and acting as a witness at court and at enforcement appeals. Research and survey work, analysis and report writing in relation to relevant stages of the Local Development Plan process and review and preparation of planning policy/guidance. Representation at public workshops post publication of relevant stage of Development Plan Document. Review of representations to the Local Development Plan at each stage and categorisation, assessment, and consultation as appropriate. Representation at independent examinations into the Draft Strategy and Local Policies Plan as appropriate. Ongoing monitoring and review work as required post adoption of Development Plan Documents. To produce and maintain records and file notes; compile reports, statistics or other relevant material related to the duties as allocated to the team or any others as may be reasonably required. Dealing confidently with enquiries from the public, by telephone, correspondence, and face to face. The day-to-day line management and development of planning officers with the relevant section. Using the Councils IT systems and software to seek, organise, evaluate, and communicate information effectively. To comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council Policies and legal requirements. To undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post. PERSON SPECIFICATION The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge, and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Degree in a recognised planning qualification (e.g., Town and Country Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Architecture, Urban Regeneration) or an equivalent/ higher standard of qualification OR HNC/ HND/ BTEC Higher National Certificate in Planning, Surveying and Cartography or BTEC Higher National Certificate in Land Administration (Planning) or equivalent qualification EXPERIENCE This experience only applies if a degree or equivalent qualification is held: A minimum of two years relevant professional and technical planning experience working in a planning environment. OR This experience only applies if a HNC/ HND/ BTEC Higher National Certificate or equivalent qualification is held A minimum of 4 years experience working in a planning environment. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY Ability to work unsupervised Personal responsibility for meeting agreed/statutory targets Excellent level of written and verbal communication and presentation skills Excellent negotiating skills and ability to achieve effective outcomes Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting work demands Good time management skills with ability to prioritise. OTHER REQUIREMENTS A valid driving licence with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or have access to a suitable form of transport which will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post It is essential that the post holder be prepared to undertake all hours as necessary for the efficient discharge of the post including attendance at early morning, evening, and weekend work. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Member of Royal Town Planning Institute/ Irish Planning Institute or equivalent EXPERIENCE Experience and evidence of preparing and conducting planning appeals; Experience and evidence of interpreting and application of planning policies/guidance Experience in planning enforcement in respect of undertaking investigations and forming recommendations; Experience and evidence of application of development plan policies The above alternative (access to a suitable form of transport), is a reasonable adjustment specifically for applicants with disabilities, who as a result of their disability, are unable to hold a valid driving licence The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.