Planning Officer

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Planner to join a Local Authority Planning Team, responsible for managing a caseload of major and complex minor planning applications and providing professional planning advice across a wide range of development management matters. The successful candidate will play a key role in determining applications, presenting at committee, defending appeals, and supporting the delivery of an efficient and high-quality planning service.

Senior Planner

Start: ASAP

Contract Length: Initial interim contract with possibility of extension

Location: Hybrid, West Midlands

Hours: Full Time (37 hours per week)

Rate: Negotiable

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing and determining major and complex minor planning applications with minimal supervision
• Undertaking application validation, site visits, policy assessment, consultation review, negotiations and decision-making
• Preparing delegated reports and committee reports and issuing decisions under delegated authority
• Presenting planning applications at Planning Committee and Audit & Regulatory Committee meetings
• Providing high-quality pre-application advice through written responses, telephone consultations and meetings with applicants and developers
• Negotiating and determining discharge of condition applications
• Preparing appeal statements, representing the Council at informal hearings, and supporting public inquiries and associated costs cases
• Supporting planning enforcement matters, particularly complex cases linked to planning applications and lawful development certificates
• Liaising with applicants, agents, consultees, elected members, Parish Councils and other stakeholders
• Reviewing and signing planning reports prepared by other officers when required
• Providing technical planning advice and guidance to colleagues, Members and senior officers
• Supporting staff induction, mentoring activities and work experience placements
• Contributing to service performance targets and continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements:

• Diploma in Town Planning or equivalent qualification recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
• Full RTPI membership, or eligibility and willingness to work towards full membership within an agreed timeframe
• Significant experience working within a Development Management or Planning Applications team
• Sound knowledge of planning legislation, policy, guidance and development management procedures
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences
• Experience using planning-related ICT systems and databases
• Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle and ability to undertake site visits