Principal Planning Officer

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Principal Planning Officer to join our Strategic Development Team. The Strategic Development Team are responsible for guiding proposals through the development process including examining, processing and evaluating major planning and related applications including pre-and post-application advice, site inspections, negotiations, preparation and presentation of reports to a range of audiences.

In this role, you will be required to undertake development management activities for new development including planning applications, advice and appeals for major developments and related, compliance and enforcement. Roles at this level deliver a specific service, are part of a collaborative team responsible for strategic development activities within the Planning Service.

Key Responsibilities

Process major planning applicants and make recommendations

Prepare reports, including proofs of evidence in relation to a range of appeals, and present evidence at hearings, and public inquiries, and at court proceedings

Give information and advice to businesses, the public and other stakeholders about legislative requirements and standards for compliance with planning legislation

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about using the Planning system to deliver sustainable development that meets the needs of local communities, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria

Significant evidence of working with the most complex and challenging areas of Development Management.

Academic qualifications in Town and Country planning or similar at Honours degree level or above, or in exceptional circumstances equivalent experience to give an in-depth level of knowledge necessary to undertake the most complex cases

A comprehensive knowledge of legislation, policy, regulations and professional codes of practice for Development Management

Ability to prepare & present information/evidence clearly and confidently at Public Inquiries and planning committee meetings.

Ability to manage and organise own work and assist that of colleagues to meet agreed deadlines.

Desirable Criteria

Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or approved professional qualification relevant to the area of work

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Max Smith (Strategic Development Service Manager) at max.smith@n-somerset.gov.uk

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Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.