Senior Development Management Officer

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.