Senior Development Management Officer

South Africa Tempest Resourcing; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Development Management Officer to deliver a professional planning service. You will validate and assess planning applications, provide advice, and conduct site visits. The ideal candidate has proven experience in development management and strong knowledge of UK planning legislation. Excellent communication and analytical skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in development management within a local authority or similar environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK planning legislation and local planning processes.
• Ability to manage caseloads efficiently and meet statutory deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Validate, assess, and determine planning applications in line with statutory requirements.
• Provide customer-focused advice on planning proposals and procedures.
• Undertake site visits to assess planning proposals.

Skills

Development management experience

Knowledge of UK planning legislation

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Job description

Position Overview

The Senior Development Management Officer will deliver a professional planning service for North Northamptonshire Council, ensuring efficient assessment and determination of a wide range of planning applications. The role involves supporting the council's strategic objectives by facilitating high-quality development while protecting the natural and built environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning Application Management: Validate, assess, and determine a variety of planning applications, primarily small to medium scale, in line with national planning policy, local development plans, and statutory requirements.
• Pre-application Advice: Provide clear, timely, and customer-focused advice to applicants, agents, and members of the public on planning proposals, policies, and procedures.
• Site Inspections: Undertake site visits to assess planning proposals, ensuring that all relevant planning considerations are accurately evaluated.
• Consultation & Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise effectively with internal departments, statutory consultees, local communities, elected members, and external agencies to ensure well-informed and balanced planning decisions.
• Report Preparation: Produce high-quality officer reports, recommendations, and committee presentations that demonstrate sound planning judgment and adherence to policy.
• Decision Making: Exercise delegated authority to issue planning decisions, ensuring that determinations are legally robust, defensible, and delivered within agreed timescales.
• Appeals & Representation: Prepare evidence and represent the council at planning appeals, public inquiries, and hearings as required.
• Policy Support: Contribute to the development and review of local planning policies, offering practical insights from development management experience.
• Continuous Improvement: Promote best practice in planning, share knowledge with colleagues, and mentor junior staff to maintain a high-performing service.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in development management within a local authority or similar environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK planning legislation, the National Planning Policy Framework, and local planning processes.
• Ability to validate applications and manage caseloads efficiently, meeting statutory deadlines.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance competing interests.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation abilities.
• Capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to conduct site visits across the North Northamptonshire area.