Planning Officer - Shape Communities, Guide Growth (Hybrid)

North Northamptonshire Council; Geddington; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits scheme

Wellbeing support

Hybrid and flexible working

Job summary

North Northamptonshire Council is seeking a Planning professional to shape development policy, manage applications and provide expert guidance across planning policy, development management and enforcement. You will support senior officers, engage communities and help deliver a sustainable local plan and placemaking initiatives.

Role requires adapting to evolving planning legislation, strong communication and superb organisational skills, with frequent site visits and multi-department

Qualifications

• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification to allow future access to Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (or equivalent).
• Demonstration of a Personal Development Plan that explains a commitment via Licentiate, Associate or the Experienced Practitioner route, to achieving Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (or equivalent).
• Conversant with policy documents, plans, maps and architectural drawings.
• Understanding of the English Planning System.
• Experience of using computer databases, and Microsoft packages such as PowerPoint, Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Good communication skills
• Report writing skills
• Able to deliver excellent customer service under pressure
• Good organisational skills
• Able to travel independently to multiple sites across the Council's administrative area to undertake site visits on a frequent basis (3-5 times a week), or further away to attend meetings and events on behalf of the Council. For example, the ability to drive with access to own transport.
• Good time management skills
• The ability to carry out site visits or investigations on a variety of outdoor door locations including domestic properties, overgrown site with uneven ground conditions, and building sites

Responsibilities

• Support senior planning officers and managers in delivering Planning Service objectives.
• Provide excellent customer service and respond to planning-related enquiries.
• Contribute to service improvements, process reviews and system enhancements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation, policies and best practice.
• Produce accurate, high-quality work within agreed timescales.
• Attend evening and weekend meetings, committees and public consultation events.
• Assist in developing planning policies, design guidance and Local Plan documents.
• Undertake research and gather evidence to support policy development and place-shaping initiatives.
• Engage with communities, stakeholders and partners through consultations and public events.
• Analyse planning data, monitor trends and maintain planning databases and monitoring systems.
• Provide planning policy advice on applications, corporate projects and infrastructure planning.
• Prepare reports, statements and evidence for planning appeals, examinations and legal proceedings.
• Support the procurement and management of specialist planning consultants.
• Help develop and utilise planning technology, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Validate planning applications and process planning submissions.
• Manage a caseload of planning applications and planning enforcement investigations.
• Conduct site visits, consultations and assessments, making recommendations in line with planning policy.
• Prepare and present reports for Planning Committee meetings.
• Negotiate improvements to development proposals.
• Advise applicants, developers, residents and stakeholders on planning matters.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments and external organisations to achieve positive planning outcomes.
• Represent the Council at hearings, inquiries and court proceedings where required.
• Assist with complaints handling and support investigations undertaken by the Local Government Ombudsman.

Skills

Policy knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Relevant degree

Plan institute access plan (Licentiate/Associate/Experienced Practitioner route)

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

North Northamptonshire Council is seeking a Planning professional to shape development policy, manage applications and provide expert guidance across planning policy, development management and enforcement. You will support senior officers, engage communities and help deliver a sustainable local plan and placemaking initiatives.

Role requires adapting to evolving planning legislation, strong communication and superb organisational skills, with frequent site visits and multi-department