Planning Officer

Purpose of the job

• The Planning Officer will be responsible for the processing of Development Management matters within an area based or function based team including responsibility for the handling of pre-application advice, planning applications, conditions, appeals and, when required, enforcement including negotiations with developers and other interested parties, securing financial and other community benefits through legal agreements.

• The Planning Officer will ensure, in conjunction with colleagues, that statutory and legal obligations are delivered and communicated in a customer-focussed manner, optimising available resources.

• The Planning Officer will be accountable to the Team Leader Development Management & Enforcement or the Major Applications Team Leader for achieving agreed Service outcomes and personal appraisal targets which uphold the Council’s Core Values and meet the challenges of best practice.

• To provide advice and support to junior colleagues within the service as required (PO1)

• To represent the Council at appropriate Public Inquiries and Informal hearings (P01)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Communication

• Ability to write reports and a wide range of correspondence relating to Development Management and other planning issues.

• Ability to communicate effectively with service users e.g. negotiations, presenting evidence or advice in a public forum within Hackney’s diverse community.

Managing Projects and Resources

• Ability to handle an extensive workload, including ability to act on own initiative, prioritise and meet strict deadlines.

• Ability to use new technology to assist in improving service delivery and personal performance.

• Managing Services and Delivery

• Ability to contribute effectively to team working.

Knowledge

• Ability to promote and implement equal opportunities in accordance with Council guidelines.

• Ability to understand plans and drawings and other relevant technical information related to planning applications and projects.

• Ability to operate IT systems and equipment.

• A good understanding of planning legislation.

• Knowledge of planning issues as they affect the inner city.

• Knowledge of Best Practice.

Work Related Experience

• Understanding of or experience of providing services to customers and being accountable for these services.

• Understanding of or experience of development management work within an urban environment.

Qualifications

• A relevant qualification in Town Planning or equivalent which supports membership of the RTPI or a graduate qualification in a related discipline.

• Able and willing to attend meetings or undertake work outside normal working hours e.g. evening meetings.