I am working with a Local Authority in the East of England area who area who are seeking an experienced Senior Planning Officer within Development Management on a 6-month interim assignment within a majors Team, The Senior Planning Officer will oversee significant residential and commercial development projects and provide expert guidance to stakeholders. This role requires a strong understanding of planning legislation and the ability to communicate complex issues effectively. The position offers flexible hybrid working arrangements and is on an initial 6-month contract, which will then be reviewed and very likely extended.
Key Accountabilities
To contribute towards the delivery a high quality, customer focused Planning & Implementation department with high standards of advice and support, resolving cases of varying complexities in Development Management. Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, legislation, professional codes of practice and adherence to Council policy. Deliver projects, interventions and initiatives and develop policies in line with corporate and business plans. To deal effectively and efficiently with general enquiries, pre-applications, planning applications and planning appeals ensuring cases are managed and completed at the appropriate level of skill-set. Ensure and develop appropriate levels of quality and specialist knowledge with other Planning & Implementation colleagues.
- Deliver customer-focused specialist advice and services in Development Management, keeping up to date with current and emerging legislation, best practice and policy to ensure continuous development and improvement in services.
- Manage complex and/or contentious planning applications, processes and compliance, regulations and legislation, acting as the single point of contact for customers on those cases and attending appeals hearings and public inquiries as appropriate.
- Support, guide and advise Graduate Planners and Technical Support colleagues, as necessary.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, as well as Members and managing key relationships with partners including County Council and Local Councils and other stakeholders
- Access and accurately update all relevant information systems, both customer and back office ensuring that the master customer record is updated and maintained through verification and validation, and in accordance with Data Protection principles
- Prepare and present reports to Area Planning Committees, District Planning Committee, and other internal and external meetings and present evidence/stand as witness at planning appeal hearings and public inquiries.
- Ensure own personal and professional development is maintained including keeping up to date with relevant law, policies, working practices and procedures.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Proven ability to give sound advice and guidance on a broad range of planning cases, topics or issues
- Experience of Town Planning applications within a broad range of complexity and contentiousness, with some guidance and support of more experienced staff, occasionally referring to Principals, Team Manager and/or Head of Service for work outside previous experience
- Ability to enforce legislation where a breach of planning control is suspected
Contract Details:
- £45.00 p/h
- Initial 3-Month Contract, strong likelihood of an extension
- Start ASAP
- 1-2 days a week on site attendance
If this opportunity is of interest, or if you'd like to have a confidential discussion to understand more about the role, expectations, or wider context please feel free to reply to this email or get in touch directly. Please note that I am working with numerous Local Authorities across the Midlands and North region who require contractors from entry-level to Director level to join their Development Management, Planning Enforcement, and Policy teams. I would be more than happy to have a conversation about additional roles that may suit your experience.
