Senior Planning Officer

Senior Planning Officer
Location: Brympton Way, Yeovil, BA202HT
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 6+ Months
Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00, 37 Hours per week
Pay Rate: £36.25 per hour 
Job Ref: OR13380
 
Job Responsibilities
The role involves managing a diverse and intricate caseload of planning applications, including major developments related to economic growth, inward investment, change of use, and residential projects across Somerset. This includes negotiating with developers and their representatives, considering third-party feedback, liaising with council members, and preparing reports for Planning Committee and delegated decisions.
The position requires providing support and guidance to planning officers and consultees, ensuring timely processing of applications and robust decision-making. The role also involves preparing appeal statements and representing the Local Planning Authority as an expert witness at hearings and public inquiries.
Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, organizational policy, and professional codes of conduct.

• Delivering the council's equality, diversity, and inclusion policies, and promoting health, safety, and wellbeing.

• Processing a wide range of development schemes, including major planning applications, through negotiation and balancing material considerations.

• Providing professional support and guidance to planning officers, including site inspections, report drafting, and negotiations.

• Attending Planning Committee meetings and presenting oral reports on development management matters.

• Preparing appeal statements and acting as an expert witness in planning and enforcement appeals.

• Processing planning applications, undertaking site visits, and making recommendations on planning applications and related matters.

• Providing general advice to the public, members, and developers regarding planning permission and enforcement processes.

• Conducting monitoring and compliance activities, including investigating breaches of planning control and undertaking site inspections.

• Committing to continued professional development and maintaining expertise and knowledge in line with CPD standards.

Person Specification
The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience:

• Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or a related subject and equivalent experience. Membership of (or eligibility to join) the RTPI is essential.

• Knowledge: Detailed advice on planning issues in a development management environment, good knowledge of planning, enforcement, planning policy, case law, and relevant legislation.

• Skills: Excellent negotiation skills, ability to work under pressure, prioritize workloads, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Adaptability and the ability to influence and persuade are essential.

• Experience: Experience working at a senior level in Development Management, managing a caseload, and defending the Council at appeal hearings. Team development and CPD experience are essential.

The role requires IT literacy, a customer-focused approach, strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. Advanced communication skills, including influencing, negotiating, and problem-solving, are crucial.
The position is full-time, requiring 37 hours per week, with some flexibility to meet service needs. Attendance on-site is required one day a week or two days per fortnight, particularly for Committee applications and initial site visits.
 
 
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