Principal Planning Officer

Nations Recruitment; Loughborough; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization based in Loughborough is seeking a Planning Officer to handle major applications and provide expert advice. The ideal candidate will need a relevant degree and must be a member of the RTPI. Responsibilities include leading negotiations, preparing reports, and appearing in court as a witness when required. This position offers an immediate start, with a salary of £32.10 per hour and a hybrid work model of 2-3 days in the office.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field is required.
• Must be a member of the RTPI.
• Experience in planning and development management is essential.

Responsibilities

• Handle applications for major and controversial proposals.
• Provide pre-application advice and conduct site inspections.
• Prepare planning appeal evidence and act as expert witness.

Skills

Effective negotiation skills

Good oral and written communication skills

Use of specialist planning software

ICT knowledge and aptitude

Education

Degree in Town and Country Planning or related subject

Membership of RTPI

Diploma or Masters in Town Planning

Leadership Qualification such as ILM Level 3

Prince2 project management

Job description

Job Category: Housing

Job location: Council Offices, Southfield Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 2TX, United Kingdom

Charnwood Borough Council

Hours per week: 37.5

Start date: Immediate start

Salary: £32.10 per hour

2-3 days in office.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Handle all types of application, but with specific responsibility for major and the more controversial proposals, including:
   • Provide pre‑application advice
   • Site inspections and surveys
   • Research
   • Consultation with stakeholders; including the public, statutory consultees and amenity and community organisations
   • Negotiations with applicants and professional agents including leading negotiations on Section 106 Agreement
   • Assisting Councillors, Town and Parish Councils and others to understand proposals
   • Lead the Development Team for major applications and Planning Performance Agreements and provide feedback to the Project Manager as required
   • Preparation of reports on applications, including for committee, with recommendations based on national and local planning policies and guidance and professional judgement
   • Presentation of applications and related items at meetings of the Plans and Regulatory Committees
2. Assist and where applicable deputise for the Team Leader Major Growth
3. Prepare planning appeal evidence and appear as an expert witness for the Council at Public Inquiries, Informal Hearings and prepare statements for Written Representation appeals.
4. Appear as a witness for the Council in the Magistrates and Crown Court as required.
5. Provide pre‑application advice on complex and/or major development proposals, including acting as lead officer co‑ordinating the views of all relevant parties, and respond to general enquiries from all stakeholders of the service.
6. Advise other members of the teams on difficult issues with which they are involved.
7. Liaise with and assist the planning enforcement unit in the conduct of investigations and preparation of cases for enforcement action.
8. Liaise with Senior Officers of other departments regarding development possibilities on Council owned and other land.
9. Assist the Head of Planning & Regeneration in the management of projects and the supervision of staff in undertaking complex and challenging assignments.
10. To promote the personal development of team members by providing supervision, guidance and assistance as necessary and identifying their training and development needs to ensure they have the skills needed to achieve agreed service related and corporate objectives.
11. Contribute to the continuous improvement in the delivery of customer satisfaction ensuring all work is carried out to meet agreed expectations for customer.

Able to analyse complex planning issues and to write letters, reports and evidence.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town and Country Planning or related subject
• Membership of RTPI
• Diploma or Masters in Town Planning
• Leadership Qualification such as ILM Level 3

  Prince2 project management

  Certificates

  Competencies

  • Use of specialist planning software
  • ICT knowledge and aptitude
  • Demonstrate an understanding of current law and guidance relating to development management

  Application Form. Interview. Practical Exercise

  Interpersonal Skills

  Good oral and written communication skills. Effective negotiation skills.