Area Manager - Development Management

Area Manager - Development Management

Location: Brympton Way, Yeovil, BA202HT
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 5+ Months
Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00, 37 Hours per week
Pay Rate: £61.24 per hour 
Job Ref: OR12354
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:

• Lead two development management area teams, ensuring a high-quality, customer-focused function responsible for determining planning and relevant applications.
• Support the Service Manager Development Management in overseeing the Development Management Service and guide area teams in planning application determinations, coordinating with internal and external consultees.
• Manage applications from pre-application stage to implementation and compliance, adhering to the Council’s constitution and delegation scheme.
• Lead and manage teams to surpass Government and local performance targets, optimize income through application fees, and implement organizational, policy, and legislative changes.
• Serve as the lead professional officer at Area Planning Committees, supporting sound planning decisions that align with Development Plans and corporate objectives such as climate change and affordable housing delivery.
• Deputize for the Service Manager Development Management and Head of Planning, providing support and advice on a range of management issues and complex applications.
• Ensure reports and recommendations comply with legal and corporate procedures, addressing objections and weighing planning considerations against policies.
• Attend and present reports at Area Planning Committee meetings, addressing questions from members and interested parties.
• Oversee the functioning of two Area Planning Committees, maintaining the confidence of committee members through briefings and training.
• Represent the Council at public inquiries, hearings, and court, providing expert evidence on applications and handling complaints and investigations.
• Directly manage and mentor Principal Planning Officers and their teams, addressing performance and welfare issues.

Person Specifications
The ideal candidate will possess:

• In-depth knowledge of statutory planning regulations and related environmental legislation.
• Experience in local authority planning services, development management, and team leadership.
• Proven ability to design and implement service transformation processes.
• Experience leading and developing large teams and service areas, with a focus on performance management.
• Expertise in providing professional advice on complex applications to planning committees.
• Strategic input experience in place-based policy development and strategy.
• Experience giving evidence at Public Inquiries and Development Plan Examinations.
• Proficiency in handling customer complaints and inquiries.
• A degree in planning, geography, or a related field, and Chartered membership in the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or eligibility for membership.
• Management qualification ILM 5 or higher, with evidence of continual professional development.
• Strong advisory skills for guiding senior management and elected members on complex planning issues.
• Excellent communication skills and resilience, with the ability to engage effectively with the public, stakeholders, and elected representatives.
• Attention to detail and the ability to build and maintain relationships with partner organizations.
• Good interpersonal skills and a collaborative team player.

 

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