Planning Officer

To promote the preservation and enhancement of the historic built environment of Wirral and to provide specialist heritage advice to the Council and to the public, in line with best practice, national standards, organisational requirements and statutory obligations. Dealing with all matters in respect of Development Management, especially in relation to all aspects of heritage planning (and related) applications; including relevant matters at pre-application and post-application stages of the planning process; planning appeals and planning enforcement matters.

Qualifications:  Educated to Degree Level in Planning and/or Conservation or a closely related qualification.  Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) related to one or more aspects of heritage and/or development management.

Provide technical specialist support for and manage a caseload of applications. Process and determine all aspects of heritage planning related applications, appeals, discharge of conditions and all other post-decision matters; undertaking all necessary site inspections; preparing reports and recommendations for applications that are to be determined under powers delegated to the Corporate Director, Assistant Director and Development Management Manager and for applications to be considered and determined by the Planning Committee. Advise on the need for planning permission and providing pre-application planning advice. Responsible for ensuring appropriate support and advice is provided to building owners, applicants, developers, members of the public and all interested parties regarding design, repair and restoration on the care and protection of heritage assets and undesignated heritage assets. Prepare evidence and written statements in respect of any Planning Appeals and Listed Building Appeals and to represent the Council as planning witness at Hearings and Inquiries as may be required