Senior Planning Officer

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

Responsible to the Head of Planning, Development Management in Development Management for the provision of a high quality, efficient and effective Planning Service in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area. To provide support to the Head of Planning, Development Management in meeting all statutory requirements and ensuring effective performance management in the area of work assigned, whilst supporting training and development for staff within the team to meet the needs of the business and all customers in accordance with best practice standards and other performance indicators. Responsible for the day to day management, leadership and development of Planning Officers, Planning Assistants and any technical support staff in the area of work assigned through the provision of guidance and advice on relevant planning and technical issues.

SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Head of Planning, Development Management in the management and motivation of team members, deputising when required, to ensure effective performance against the objectives and targets set out in the Planning Section Business Plan.
• Contribute to the development of objectives, performance indicators and work programmes for the annual Planning Section Business Plan and wider service level business and management initiatives in line with the objectives of the Council’s Corporate Plan and best practice.
• Provide professional advice, assistance and training, as appropriate on planning policy, development plan or other forward planning matters to team members, residents, elected members, stakeholders and other planning professionals.
• Responsible for all aspects of processing significant planning applications (if required), including Major Development proposals from the submission of Proposal of Application Notices to the determination of applications by the Planning Committee in line with statutory performance targets.
• Prepare committee reports, technical papers, research evidence and other information and make presentations at Planning Committee, public meetings and to external organisations as required (including evening meetings as required).
• Prepare written statements and present professional planning evidence at appeals, public inquiries/examinations and court hearings as required.
• Undertake research, monitoring, surveys and site inspections/meetings at various locations across the Borough and respond to consultations ensuring that the Council’s views are expressed effectively.
• Provide day to day supervision of and give direction to Planning Officers, Planning Assistants and any technical support staff in accordance with the principles of performance management ensuring the timely delivery of a high quality professional service.
• Plan and allocate work to Planning Officers, Planning Assistants and any technical support staff and provide support to the team to ensure the delivery of integrated, comprehensive planning functions across the service.
• Check reports and other work undertaken by Planning Officers and Planning Assistants and provide professional advice at internal group meetings and at other meetings as required, including the preparation of management information on the performance of the team.
• Deal effectively and efficiently with enquiries from the public, elected representatives and internal and external stakeholders through face to face meetings, correspondence, telephone and electronic communication.
• Develop briefs, commission consultants and manage contracts for specialist work or projects as required.
• Undertake and be accountable for key tasks as allocated by the Principal Planning Officer, to include the provision of advice on more complex planning matters and the researching and drafting of policy documents.
• Keep up to date with current professional and technical practice and respond to changing team responsibilities or priorities.
• Establish and manage effective partnerships within the Council, and with external stakeholders where appropriate, in order to promote collaborative working and achieve results.
• Carry out consultations on planning related issues and attend launches, exhibitions, workshops and external meetings as required (including evening meetings as required).
• Represent the Planning Section at meetings and working parties within and outside the Council as required (including evening meetings as required). 18 Utilise the Council’s IT systems, GIS and software to research, organise, evaluate and communicate information effectively.
• Carry out all duties to the highest of professional standards, protecting the reputation and ensuring the integrity of the Council at all times.
• Participate as required in the Council’s recruitment and selection procedures.
• Carry out any other duties which may arise from time to time commensurate with the status of the post as requested by the Principal Planning Officer.
• To be available from time to time to carry out duties outside of normal office hours and in addition to basic contracted hours. Such additional hours will be remunerated in line with Council’s approved policies at the time.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate a team approach to achieving the objectives of the Section through full flexibility in relation to tasks undertaken.
• Provide a high level of internal and external customer service including taking ownership of customer queries and complaints and following issues through to completion.
• Continuously develop personal knowledge and skills to enhance internal and external customer service.
• Comply with, and ensure that other staff comply with, Council’s policies and procedures including those relating to health, safety, wellbeing and safeguarding.
• Promote equality and diversity across all service areas through clear leadership, effective policy implementation and demonstrating appropriate behaviours in line with Council values.
• Carry out any other relevant duties which may be assigned including working in other sections of the Department and Council.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Degree in a recognised planning qualification* or equivalent and a minimum of three years’ experience of working in Development Management role.

OR

HNC/HND/BTEC Higher National Certificate in Planning, Surveying and Cartography or BTEC Higher National Certificate in Land Administration (Planning) or equivalent qualification and a minimum of four years’ experience of working in a Development Management role.

AND

A minimum of two years’ relevant experience of managing staff in accordance with the principles of performance management and personal development

AND

Current member of the Royal Town Planning Institute/Irish Planning Institute or equivalent.