Planning Officer

Dealing with all matters in respect of Development Management especially in relation to all aspects of planning (and related) applications, including relevant matters at preapplication and post-application stages of the planning process, planning appeals and planning enforcement matters.

Dealing with all matters in respect of Development Management especially in relation to all aspects of planning (and related) applications, including relevant matters at preapplication and post-application stages of the planning process, planning appeals and planning enforcement matters.

1. Process and determine a caseload of all aspects of 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 Strategic Director, Head of Service and Development Management Manager and for applications to be considered and determined by the Planning Committee;
2. Manage and process all aspects of telecommunications related applications from pre-application to post-application stages, ensuring timely delivery of decisions within the statutory timeframe.
3. Advise on the need for planning permission and providing pre-application planning advice.
4. Prepare evidence and written statements in respect of any Planning Appeals and to represent the Council as planning witness at Hearings and Inquiries as may be required.
5. Investigate all complaints regarding alleged breaches of planning control, including those in relation to trees and Listed Buildings; undertaking all necessary site inspections, gathering of information, including all relevant checks (e.g. DVLA and HM Land Registry); assessing whether a breach has taken place; dealing with individuals and/or organisations and effectively negotiating amendments where appropriate; assessing whether any breach is harmful and whether it is expedient to take appropriate enforcement action; take appropriate enforcement action as required, including the preparing and serving of Enforcement Notices, Planning Contravention Notices, Breach of Condition Notices etc. and dealing with any subsequent Appeals and giving/presenting evidence at Appeal Hearings, Inquiries or Court.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Essential Criteria • Educated to Degree Level in Town Planning. • Knowledge of the relevant law, Government guidance, policies and practice relating to planning. • Evidence of continuous professional development related to one or more aspects of development management and/or planning enforcement. • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate information; to present clear, accurate and concise reports to a wide range of audiences. • Ability to work effectively with individuals, teams, customers, partners and staff, understanding the functions and needs of the service and the organisation as a whole. Focus on customer satisfaction and deliver a quality service