Planner

Take responsibility for processing a varied caseload of the most complex and major planning applications.

Prepare high-quality reports and make clear, robust recommendations to committee or to the Assistant Director for Planning for decisions under delegated powers, on planning applications, policy matters, appeals, enforcement and other relevant issues

Support the management team by exercising professional and managerial responsibility for planning staff to ensure delivery of a high-quality, customer-focused service

Assist the service by signing off applications at delegated level, ensuring decisions are sound, defensible, and in line with planning policy and legislation.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Lead on the borough’s most complex and high-profile planning applications and appeals, including strategic sites and large-scale developments

Provide expert advice and guidance on planning matters, ensuring robust decision-making and compliance with relevant legislation and policy

Lead pre-application discussions and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) for major developments, ensuring timely and coordinated input across services

Lead and manage complex legal agreements, including Section 106 and other planning obligations, ensuring they are robust and deliverable

Advise and support Planning Enforcement officers with their day to day work including identification of breaches of planning control and the drafting of enforcement notices

Commission and oversee external professional services where required, managing associated risks and ensuring value for money for the Council

Represent the Council by preparing and presenting expert evidence at public inquiries, hearings, and in court for the full range of planning applications

Maintain a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of relevant planning law, policy, procedures, and best practice

Advise Councillors and other key stakeholders on planning matters

Contribute to the achievement of service performance targets and corporate outcomes, promoting continuous improvement and innovation

Represent the Assistant Director of Planning at committee

Assist in the supervision and instruction of other staff within the Division

Exercise delegated authority to sign off planning applications in accordance with the Council’s scheme of delegation

Give advice to staff on the implications that development may have on communities e.g. taking account of infrastructure, sustainability or educational requirements

Advise team members regarding liaising with statutory and non-statutory consultees to assist in the determination of said applications

Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and scope of the role, as required to support the effective delivery of the planning service and corporate priorities

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to communicate orally in a clear and confident manner with Councillors and a wide range of people at all levels
• Ability to write in a clear, concise and well-structured manner
• Ability to present the Council’s case to Councillors, in court and at appeal
• Excellent organisation skills - can handle a busy workload with efficiency and focus
• Ensure on-going structured and rigorous approach to continuous improvement.
• Ensure that a proactive approach to workload is applied
• Ability to work well within a team
• Ability to self-motivate
• Ability to work unsupervised
• Skilled at understanding technical plans and documents
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset
• Ability to mentor/ supervise more junior members of the team

KNOWLEDGE: In depth knowledge of planning legislation