Planning Casework Manager

Have you got strong drafting skills and the ability to create good quality documents?
Are you someone that can simplify complex information with ease, and present this to others?

Would you like to be a part of a small, supportive team who work collaboratively with stakeholders and senior officials?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Planning Casework Manager to join the Transport Infrastructure Planning Unit (TIPU).

Our team’s role is to provide Ministers with the advice they need when they are deciding whether or not to grant planning consent and other powers which are necessary for the delivery of new infrastructure.

The role is central to the delivery of the team’s objectives. You will support the team leader by handling a portfolio of applications for Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAO’s), developing familiarity with the issues raised by each one and ensuring that they are progressed expeditiously and in line with legal requirements. This will involve assessing the merits of schemes against planning, transport and environmental policies and advising potential applicants on the process as well as drafting the formal decision letters and submissions to Ministers where required.

The post also requires you to gain an understanding of legal principles, ensuring applications are taken forward and decisions made in line with the relevant legislation. You will be required to review draft Statutory Instruments and apply legal and policy requirements. However, you are not required to have any legal qualifications or prior experience for this post as the team works closely with DfT Legal Advisers and full training will be provided.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• To assess the representations made about transport projects and evaluate reports from the Planning Inspectorate to make recommendations to Ministers about the proposed decisions. This will require you to assimilate, understand and distil large volumes of detailed information and complex arguments.
• To draft decision letters on applications for TWA Orders that are soundly reasoned, sufficiently robust to withstand legal challenge and delivered in a timely way.
• To manage the procedural stages of applications for Transport and Works Act ("TWA") Orders in line with statutory Rules and published guidance, impartially and in a timely manner.
• To ensure that all TWA Orders are consistent with Government policy, are legally acceptable and meet the required drafting standards for Statutory Instruments.

For further information, please see the attached Role Profile.