Lead Planning Officer — Development & Policy

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead the Development Management Team and oversee planning applications and related work within the Development Plan framework.

The post requires MRTPI or ARICS, a Town and Country Planning degree with RTPI recognition, and about five years post-qualification experience. Strong negotiation, communication, and organisational skills are essential, with travel across the Borough and 37 hours per week.

Qualifications

• MRTPI or ARICS (Planning Division).
• Degree in Town and Country Planning; RTPI recognised postgraduate qualification.
• 5+ years post-qualification planning experience; Development Planning experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor a team handling Development Planning to meet performance targets.
• Process planning, Listed Buildings, Advertisements and related applications; prepare reports and decisions.
• Liaise with agencies and stakeholders on planning issues affecting Development Planning.
• Input into monitoring of the Development Plan and negotiate Section 106 agreements.
• Prepare documentation and represent the Council at Planning Inquiries, hearings and appeals.
• Assist Development Planning Manager with delegated decisions and supervision of enforcement staff.
• Organise public participation/consultation on planning applications and appeals.
• Maintain communications with elected Members and external agencies; support Council policies.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Degree in Town and Country Planning

MRTPI membership

Postgraduate RTPI-recognised qualification

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead the Development Management Team and oversee planning applications and related work within the Development Plan framework.

The post requires MRTPI or ARICS, a Town and Country Planning degree with RTPI recognition, and about five years post-qualification experience. Strong negotiation, communication, and organisational skills are essential, with travel across the Borough and 37 hours per week.