Principal planner

Role Purpose 
To lead the preparation and management of planning performance agreements and pre-application discussions for strategic development proposals. To manage a caseload of strategic planning applications delivering significant levels of investment within the Borough and make recommendations to Planning Committee and deliver an effective and appropriate service to all service users, fairly and without discrimination.

Responsibilities
Assessing the validity and supporting the registration of new planning applications as required.
Supervision and mentoring of case officers within the teams on specific complex proposals.
Direct line management of Senior Planning Officer within the team.
Ensuring that the training and development needs of the Senior Planning Officer within the team are met, including carrying out 1:1 appraisals through the Council’s appraisal scheme.
Assist the Team Manager (Major Applications) and deputise for the Team Manager (Major Applications) and other Team Managers in the development management service as necessary including the allocation of work and the signing of decisions as specified under the Scheme of Delegation.
Preparation and review of appeal statements and proofs of evidence to justify the Council’s decision, for consideration by written representations, informal hearing, or local inquiry.
Attendance at, and presentation of evidence to, informal hearings and local inquiries as the Council’s expert witness and giving assistance to the Planning

Requirements 
To demonstrate a commitment to the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy and implement the policy in relation to the job responsibilities
To promote a positive health and safety culture
To ensure compliance with the council’s information security policies
To motivate, train, develop and performance manage staff to effectively meet objectives.

Contract 

• Initial 3-to-6-month ongoing contract 
• PAYE via Umbrella 
• Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (Hybrid position)