Senior Planning Lead – Urban Design & Development

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council; Oldbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead the Development Planning team, overseeing performance and delivery of planning applications, including listed buildings and advertisements.

You will liaise with partners, contribute to the Development Plan, negotiate Section 106 agreements, and represent the council at inquiries and hearings. A MRTPI membership and degree in Town Planning are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience of dealing with minor and major planning applications.
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning law and practice.
• MRTPI or ARICS membership with 5 years post-qualification.
• Full MRTPI membership and relevant RTPI qualification.
• Strong computer literacy.
• Ability to manage a caseload and work under pressure.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor the performance of a team of officers in Development Planning.
• Process planning applications, Listed Buildings, Advertisements and related applications; prepare reports and decision notices.
• Liaise with agencies, organisations and stakeholders on planning issues.
• Input into the monitoring of the Development Plan.
• Negotiate Section 106 agreements to maximise value from changes to the urban fabric.
• Assist the Development Planning Manager with delegated decisions and supervision of enforcement and technicians.
• Undertake enforcement of planning control as appropriate.
• Prepare documentation and represent the Council as a witness at Inquiries, hearings, and appeals.
• Respond to consultations from other authorities on planning applications.
• Coordinate briefings for members and officers on planning matters.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Planning law

Communication skills

Negotiation

Team leadership

Caseload management

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Decision making

Education

Degree in Town and Country Planning

MRTPI or ARICS membership

Postgraduate RTPI qualification

Job description

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead the Development Planning team, overseeing performance and delivery of planning applications, including listed buildings and advertisements.

You will liaise with partners, contribute to the Development Plan, negotiate Section 106 agreements, and represent the council at inquiries and hearings. A MRTPI membership and degree in Town Planning are essential.