Hybrid Lead Planning Manager, Development Management

Carrington West; Maidstone; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension scheme (LGPS)

Car allowance

Free parking

Generous holiday entitlement

Staff events and wellbeing support

Life assurance and financialProtection

Job summary

Maidstone Borough Council is seeking an experienced Development Management Team Leader to oversee a team of 6-8 Planning Officers and deliver a high-quality planning service. You will manage pre-application advice, applications, appeals and a varied caseload including residential, commercial and HMOs in a hybrid role.

The role requires strong leadership, policy knowledge, political sensitivity and excellent project management and communication skills to support housing delivery and development

Qualifications

• A degree in Town Planning or postgraduate Town Planning qualification with RTPI eligibility or chartered status.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits.
• Strong Development Management experience with complex planning applications and appeals.
• Experience working with Councillors and understanding political sensitivity.
• Excellent project management and communication skills in a PPA environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 6-8 Planning Officers across experience levels.
• Oversee high-quality Development Management service including pre-app advice, applications and appeals.
• Manage varied caseloads: residential up to 50 units, commercial, HMOs, prior approvals, agricultural and changes of use.
• Provide practical planning solutions and negotiate outcomes with developers and stakeholders.
• Deputise for Planning Applications Manager including work allocation and sign-off.
• Represent the Council at Planning Committee and lead witnesses in relevant appeals.

Skills

Town Planning

Project Management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Town Planning degree

RTPI membership / chartered status

Tools

Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) environment

Job description

Maidstone Borough Council is seeking an experienced Development Management Team Leader to oversee a team of 6-8 Planning Officers and deliver a high-quality planning service. You will manage pre-application advice, applications, appeals and a varied caseload including residential, commercial and HMOs in a hybrid role.

The role requires strong leadership, policy knowledge, political sensitivity and excellent project management and communication skills to support housing delivery and development