Senior Planner

Stratford-on-Avon District Council; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Stratford-on-Avon District Council as a Planning Enforcement Officer, responsible for managing and assessing planning control breaches. You'll work closely with Enforcement Officers and provide essential mentorship and support while representing the council in legal matters and assisting with committee reports. Ideal candidates will possess strong negotiation and analytical skills, with a commitment to upholding planning standards in the community.

Qualifications

• Essential skills in negotiation, mentoring, and analytical reports.
• Strong communication and presentation skills are critical for court appearances.
• Experience in planning assessments and knowledge of planning laws are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assess planning merits of breaches and achieve outcomes through negotiation.
• Mentor and provide support to Enforcement Officers.
• Prepare legal documents and represent the Council at hearings.

Skills

Negotiation

Mentoring

Analytical Skills

Communication

Presentation

Job description

Role Purpose
To assess the planning merits of identified breaches of planning control and to achieve appropriate outcomes on enforcement cases through negotiation, or defending the Council's position at appeal. To carry out all other associated professional duties appropriate to the grade in accordance with current service delivery standards.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Carry out planning assessments of breaches of planning control.
- Conduct daily case conferences with Enforcement Officers to identify cases requiring further investigation, enforcement action, or negotiation.
- Mentor Enforcement Officers, providing support, guidance, and training, including induction and appraisals.
- Assist the Planning Manager with drafting and issuing formal Notices such as Planning Contravention Notices, Breach of Condition Notices, Enforcement Notices, Stop Notices, Temporary Stop Notices, Listed Building Enforcement Notices, and S215 Notices.
- Support Enforcement Officers in preparing delegated and committee reports for enforcement cases.
- Present enforcement case referrals to the Regulatory Committee.
- Prepare written evidence and act as the Council’s witness at Court Hearings for injunctions related to breaches.
- Prepare written representations for enforcement or planning appeals and act as a witness at hearings or inquiries.
- Support elected Members in legal proceedings and appeals.
- Attend planning committee meetings annually as an observer and participate in Member training.
- Facilitate work-shadowing and work experience opportunities for elected members and students.
- Provide ongoing support and advice to colleagues, Members, Parish Councils, and third parties.

Budgetary Responsibilities
Ensure team operates within the Council’s Constitution and Contract Standing Orders.

Corporate Responsibilities
- Maintain awareness of health and safety responsibilities.
- Promote an inclusive, welcoming workplace.
- Comply with political restrictions and language requirements as per legislation.

Person Specification
Lists essential and desirable skills and competencies, assessed through application, tests, interviews, presentations, or documentation.