Planner - Req24638

Job title: Planner (Development Management)
Salary: Grade C3 ( £29,777 to £31,364) within Planner Career Grade up to SO1 (£33,945)
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Location: Leeds

As a Planner you'll thrive on making a real difference to the service we provide. You’ll be joining one of the largest city planning authorities in the country, dealing with a range of planning applications within a diverse local authority area
It’s not about rubber stamping planning submissions; the post is a chance to shape development in Leeds, and to achieve high quality, sustainable development.
Leeds City Council is one of the biggest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As an experienced Planner you will bring to the role:

• Knowledge of the statutory and policy framework within which planning decisions are made.
• Ability to understand plans.
• An ability to deal with a range of planning proposals of varying complexity.
• An ability to write detailed reports on complex issues, reach reasoned conclusions and make recommendations without or with minimal supervision.
• Experience of using IT databases for the collection and interpretation of property information.

About the role

The role involves working within one of our 5 Area Development Management teams, dealing with a mixed caseload of planning applications and providing pre-application advice to prospective applicants. You will liaise closely with colleagues in all areas of the Council, other authorities, public bodies and private organisations to deliver high quality services to Members, developers and the citizens of Leeds. To achieve this you will be supported and guided where needed by colleagues within your team. The service is based in Merrion House in Leeds City Centre, but has adopted a flexible, hybrid working model.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.
Please upload your CV.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Adam Ward, Team Leader. Call 0113 3788032 or email adam.ward@leeds.gov.uk .
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023 of their Top 100 UK employers. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job purpose

To deal with a range of planning proposals/applications appropriate to grade and experience and deliver related planning services to consistently high standards within a specific area team aligned to an Area Committee to a professional level. The Planner at C3 Grade will be expected to meet performance targets within a culture of proactive development management.

Support, guidance and training will be given to the post holder to assist in effective delivery of the responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• To act as the case officer and deal with a range of planning proposals and applications according to grade, experience and career progression and to make recommendations to a senior officer / Plans Panel for decision.
• To apply a project managed approach to development proposals.
• To give appropriate and timely responses to customer enquiries on planning matters.
• To keep Elected Members, MPs, and customers appropriately informed on planning matters and deliver a high level of customer care.
• To undertake work in connection with a range of planning appeals according to grade, experience and career progression.
• To become involved in projects aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of the service we provide as required.
• Liaise closely with colleagues in all areas of the department to secure the delivery of satisfactory services to Members, citizens and developers.
• Liaison and joint working with other teams, departments, Authorities, public bodies and private organisations.
• To keep abreast of changes in legislation, policy, and procedures, ensuring such changes are taken into account in all matters dealt with.
• Write reasoned and balanced reports and makes recommendations.
• Give opinions on the likelihood of permission with minimal supervision.
• Communicate with customers by letter, email, telephone and in person on factual planning matters with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate 3 years relevant experience of working in a planning context or possess a planning degree /post graduate planning qualification
• Negotiate solutions on simple planning proposals with customers without supervision.
• Deal with simple written appeals without supervision and Informal Hearings with supervision
• The Directorate operates a Staff Appraisal and Development Scheme which includes individual Action Plans and a collective Training Plan. You will be expected to participate actively and responsibly in the agreement of a Personal Action Plan and in meeting its agreed aim and targets.
• To abide by the Councils Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council.
• To abide by the Council’s No Smoking Policy.
• To undertake such other duties commensurate with the grade of the post

Qualifications

None specifically but able to demonstrate knowledge and skills needed to undertake the role at C3 level.

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• Ability to manage own workload effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Ability to understand plans.
• Ability to deal with a range of planning proposals of varying complexity, generally without or with minimal supervision.
• Ability to write detailed reports on complex issues, reached reasoned conclusions and make recommendations without or with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage own heavy workload and meet targets without compromising quality.
• Ability to deal positively and objectively with difficult people.
• Experience of working with others to deliver high quality outcomes
• Knowledge of the statutory and policy framework within which planning decisions are made.
• Experience of working with others to deliver high quality outcomes.
• Experience in preparing technical and survey material.
• Experience of using IT databases for the collection and interpretation of property information.

Essential Behavioural and other Characteristics

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable requirements

• Ability to influence outcomes and negotiate solutions.
• Understanding of how Planning can contribute to the delivery of high-quality sustainable development and the achievement of sustainable communities.
• Experience of working within a local authority planning environment.