Planning Manager - Development Management

To carry out a broad range of functions under the Town and Country Planning Acts and other related legislation. Ensuring that the Development Management team achieves the highest possible standards, with respect to speed and quality,

following adopted procedures and striving to achieve the highest possible standards with respect to customer service.

Job Spec:

Key corporate accountabilities:

• To work with colleagues to achieve service plan objectives and targets 2. to participate in employee performance appraisals and contribute to the identification of your own and team development needs 3. to actively promote the council's Equal Opportunities Policy and observe the standard of conduct which prevents discrimination taking place 4. to ensure full compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 etc., the council's Health and Safety Policy and all locally agreed safe methods of work 5. to fully understand and be aware of the commitment to Section 17 'Duty of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to prevent crime and disorder' 6. at the discretion of the Senior Management, such other activities as may from time to time may be agreed consistent with the nature of the job described abov The general duties and responsibilities of the postholder will fall within the following general areas, subject to the overall direction, policy guidelines and specific instructions of the Strategic Lead and senior officers
• Assist in ensuring the Development Management Team fulfils the commitments, mission and objectives of Planning Services and the Council as a whole.
• Ensuring that all procedures are followed and that all targets are met.
• To be acquainted with the various Acts relating to the Council's statutory responsibilities with regard to planning matters, including the relevant legislation, orders, circulars and policies.
• Keeping abreast with changes in such legislation and Government advice and making the necessary changes to practice and procedures arising therefrom.
• Maintaining a customer orientated approach including fostering good relations with stakeholders and local interest groups, including Forums, where required.
• Dealing with the processing of a range of planning applications; ensuring validity, visiting sites, analysing planning history, carrying out consultations, assessment and drafting of recommendations. Where required supporting and working with Senior and Principal Officers on caseloads. Assisting Enforcement Officers where required in relation to particular cases and site visits.
• Meeting applicants or their agents regarding applications or draft proposals by way of the Council’s pre-application service, carrying out negotiations and giving advice on the Council's policies as they affect development proposals.
• Dealing with members of the public regarding planning enquiries, as appropriate.
• Drafting letters and preparing reports on planning and other applications and associated matters.
• Liaising and providing information or advice to other sections of the Directorate, other Council Directorates, Council Members, members of the public and outside bodies and organisations.
• Attending meetings, including meetings of the Council and its Committees (including committee site visits), as required by the Development Management senior officers and ensuring that any necessary action arising from discussions at such meeting are dealt with by Planning Services and is carried out properly and expeditiously.
• In accordance with qualification and experience, preparing statements in respect of appeals made against the Council's decisions on planning and other applications.
• Acting at all times in a manner reflecting the aims and objectives of the Council, as instructed by the Development Management senior officers, including the pursuance of maintaining an efficient Development Management serviceArticulate and able to communicate reasoned

Essentials :

• arguments and analyse complex issues effectively both in writing and verbally to a wide variety of people,
• groups and organisations
• Time management skills.
• Ability to research, understand and present information clearly, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to listen and yet still take difficult decisions.
• Numeracy skills (calculation of volumes areas and understanding scales).
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with IT programmes, including Microsoft Office
• Broad knowledge of Planning legislation.
• Recent report writing skills - concise, well-written reports and other documents.
• Working with Members, Officers and external agencies

Desirable:

• Special knowledge - desirable Eligible for membership of a relevant professional body.
• Town Planning or relevant degree.
• Knowledge of Planning Enforcement legislation

Relevant employment experience in Development Management or other similar local authority discipline