PDP Transport Development Planning Officer

Surrey County Council; Knaphill; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Transport Development Planning Officer to advise on transport impacts of developments and assess planning applications. This role requires a relevant degree or equivalent experience, strong communication skills, and a valid UK driving licence. You'll join a supportive team with opportunities for professional development and progression in the pay grades. A range of benefits and rewards, including 26 days of holiday, are offered.

Benefits

26 days’ holiday

Generous pension

Lifestyle discounts

Learning and development hub

Qualifications

• Degree in geography, town planning, civil engineering, or transportation planning.
• Good written and verbal negotiation skills.
• Interest in highway and planning technical matters.

Responsibilities

• Advise Local Planning Authorities on transport impacts of development proposals.
• Assess transport implications of development independently.
• Draft and coordinate legal agreements with developers.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Problem solving

Team player

Education

Degree in relevant subject or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

By 2030 we want Surrey to be a place where everyone has a great start to life, people live healthy and fulfilling lives, are enabled to achieve their full potential and contribute to their community, and no one is left behind. The Environment, Infrastructure and Growth directorate has a vital role in helping to achieve these ambitions. Our vision is to enable safe, sustainable, connected and thriving communities now and in the future. This role sits within Planning and Placemaking Service. Surrey County Council is the Highway Authority for roads within the county. The Transport Development Planning team assesses the impact of development proposals on the roads and transport networks, providing recommendations to the county's Planning Authorities to improve safety and sustainability of travel as new developments are delivered. The team considers over 3500 planning applications each year, ranging from small residential proposals to large urban extensions, new or expanded schools, and new commercial or retail units.

Responsibilities

• Advise Local Planning Authorities on the transport impacts of development proposals with particular regard to promoting sustainable development, maintaining and improving road safety, minimising traffic generation and maximising the shift towards sustainable travel modes.
• Assess transport implications of development and respond to Planning Application consultations independently by the end of the PDP.
• Develop experience in reviewing Transport Assessments and negotiating with developers.
• Draft and coordinate legal agreements with developers under Sections 38 and Section 278 of the Highways Act.
• Be part of a large, enthusiastic team that supports your development to progress in transport planning.
• The Professional Development Programme provides a structured framework to learn and progress through the pay grades to match growing experience and knowledge.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject — geography, town planning, civil engineering, transportation planning, or equivalent OR equivalent transport planning experience
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including negotiation
• Good IT skills
• Good problem solving ability
• You are a team player, flexible, adaptable, and able to work under pressure
• Interest in, or some knowledge of, relevant highway and planning technical matters
• Valid UK driving licence, access to a vehicle, and willingness to travel across a wide geographical area

Additional Information

• The post is designated as politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
• Local Government Reorganisation: Surrey is preparing for devolution and a future unitary council structure from April 2027; the role will transfer to one of the new unitary councils with terms and conditions intact.

Salary and Benefits

• Starting salary: 33,553 per annum for 36 hours per week.
• Pay grade range: PS7 - PS9 (33,553 - 45,135), with progression as you develop in the role.
• We are hiring two PDP Transport Development Planning Officers.
• Rewards and Benefits: 26 days’ holiday (rising to 28 after 2 years, 30 after 5); option to buy up to 10 days; Employee Assistance Programme; up to 5 days of carer’s leave; paternity, adoption and dependents leave; generous pension; lifestyle discounts; 2 paid volunteering days per year; learning and development hub.