Role Purpose

The Planning Officer will be responsible for the processing of Development Management matters including within a function based team including responsibility for the handling of pre-application advice, major and minor planning applications, conditions, appeals including negotiations with developers and other interested parties, securing financial and other community benefits through legal agreements.
The Planning Officer will ensure, in conjunction with colleagues, that statutory and legal obligations are delivered and communicated in a customer-focussed manner, optimising available resources, ensuring the best achievable outcome.
The Planning Officer will be accountable to the Major Applications Team Leader and Deputy for achieving agreed Service outcomes and personal appraisal targets which uphold the Council’s Core Values and meet the challenges of best practice.

Responsibilities

Responsible for ensuring, in consultation with colleagues, that advice given and recommendations made have full and proper regard for the Council’s planning policies, standards and relevant Government legislation and guidance.
Assist in adding value to the service delivered, in developing and implementing best practice and providing customer-focused standards in a regulatory environment
To ensure that duties are carried out in accordance with the Council’s policies and Code of Conduct, with full regard to the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
Ensure that the administrative and technical procedures required to deal with tasks under the Planning Acts, Orders and Regulations, are carried out and work outcomes are of sufficiently high standard to comply with any systems in place to demonstrate quality.
Take responsibility, in conjunction with colleagues, for undertaking such correspondence and discussions with the public and Council officers or other appropriate people as required for the determination of applications.
Ensure, in conjunction with colleagues, necessary and effective consultation and liaison is carried out to facilitate the effective involvement of local interest and statutory bodies and other Council services with regard to Development Management matters.
Progress a range of applications under the Planning Acts and negotiate planning agreements as required.

Knowledge

Ability to promote and implement equal opportunities in accordance with Council guidelines.
Ability to understand plans and drawings and other relevant technical information related to planning applications and projects.
Ability to operate IT systems and equipment.
A good understanding of planning legislation and the plan-led system.
Knowledge of planning issues as they affect the inner city.
Knowledge of Best Practice.

Qualifications

A relevant qualification in Town Planning or equivalent which supports membership of the RTPI or a graduate qualification in a related discipline.
Able and willing to attend meetings or undertake work outside normal working hours e.g. evening meetings.

Planning Officer

Job Description