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Form of work
SalaryJob Purpose:
As a Senior Planning Officer, you will have responsibility for delivering projects in relation to the preparation, development, monitoring and review of an up-to-date statutory Planning Policy framework for Wiltshire and its effective implementation, in accordance with legislation, national policy and guidance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Specialist policy themes for strategic policies in the Local Plan e.g., economic, housing, renewable energy and sustainable construction.
- Minerals and waste strategic policies.
- Development of supplementary plans and guidance, to support implementation of policy.
- Neighbourhood planning.
- Environmental reports, including Sustainability Appraisal.
- Infrastructure planning - Infrastructure Delivery Plan to support sustainable growth, and policy framework for Community Infrastructure Levy.
- Strategic policy monitoring framework and government data returns.
- Community and stakeholder engagement strategies.
The role requires a high level of creativity and innovation as well as project management skills, and networking skills to facilitate community engagement and stakeholder collaboration and bring forward appropriate development. In addition, Senior Planning Officers will contribute towards the wider work of the service, in developing Wiltshire's role and supporting the service in meeting its statutory 'duty to cooperate' with other Local Planning Authorities and prescribed bodies. There will be a requirement to undertake mentoring of less experienced officers within the team.
Specific Work Duties:
- To work on the preparation, appraisal, delivery, monitoring and review of development plan policy, associated plans and guidance for Wiltshire.
- To develop and lead project teams on the analysis, interpretation and effective management of representations received on Planning Policy and guidance documents through consultation / engagement processes often seeking pragmatic and practical solutions to issues raised and securing a satisfactory outcome for both the council and the consultee.
- To provide Planning Policy advice and guidance, often on political/contentious matters, to elected members and council officers in other services. The post holder will be a key service contact and liaison point for members and officers with queries on project boards on the statutory stages of Planning Policy development.
- To prepare, appraise and present strong evidence to defend the council's position through the examination of Planning Policy documents (including Minerals and Waste plans; and the Community Infrastructure Levy - Charging Schedule).
- To prepare and present formal written responses to requests for information and advice on specialist Planning Policy matters in a timely and effective manner and be an expert policy witness at appeal and examination presenting evidence on behalf of the council. This will include providing responses to:
- consultations on planning applications.
- plans and strategies produced by internal service areas and neighbouring authorities; and
- formal requests for information from neighbouring authorities under the 'duty to cooperate provisions.
Requirements:
- Significant experience in policy development and Planning Policy implementation.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of legislation, national policy, and guidance relating to Planning Policy.
- Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to provide guidance on political/contentious matters.
- Ability to analyze and interpret representations received on Planning Policy and guidance documents.
- Experience in engaging with communities and stakeholders.
- Expertise in defending positions and presenting evidence at examinations and appeals.
- Qualification in a relevant field (preferred).
If you have the necessary skills and experience, we invite you to apply now for the Senior Planning Policy Officer position.
