Principle Planning Officer

Role Purpose

• To be responsible for the processing of a varied and complex caseload of planning applications (including major development projects) across Somerset, through negotiation with developers and their agents, drafting reports to Planning Committee and for delegated decisions.

• To provide support and guidance to officers dealing with the processing of planning applications, undertaking monitoring and compliance functions and other planning functions to meet agreed timescales, make robust decisions, and deliver appropriate development.

• To work proactively, creatively and respond promptly to enquiries from developers, stakeholders (internal and external) and the public on a range of development matters to ensure an efficient and reliable service is provided taking account of relevant legislation, policies and the procedures of the Council. 

• To prepare appeal statements and attend hearings and public enquiries as expert witness in connection with planning and enforcement appeals, to represent the Local Planning Authority and defend its decisions. 

•  To provide technical expertise and advice on proposals for development including Masterplanning, Planning and Policy operations and delivery to ensure high quality outputs which supports the delivery of Council objectives.

• To work as part of the Council’s Strategic Sites Team within the planning service, to process applications for a wide range of development schemes including major planning applications, strategic and inward investment sites and those of a more complex nature.

• To work with technical specialists, partner organisations, negotiate with applicants/agents and the local community in accordance with procedures, good practice, and performance targets to deliver the strategic sites allocated in the adopted Local Plans through a development team approach.

• To attend Planning Committee meetings and present oral reports to the Committee on development management matters and take all necessary following action. 

• To prepare appeal statements and proofs of evidence, and to act as expert witness for the Local Planning Authority, in connection with planning, enforcement appeals, independent examination of Development Plan documents, public inquiries, informal hearings and court hearings as required.

• Minimum of 5 years experience of working at a Senior level in Development Management/Placemaking and demonstrate the ability to manage a caseload or competing workloads to deliver strategic sites and maintain performance.
• To have experience of working within a team to support team development and CPD
• Advanced communication skills, including the ability to influence, negotiate and problem solve.
• Will need to be a clear communicator with excellent negotiation skills. You will need to be able to develop and maintain relationships with Members.

• Good negotiation skills and the ability to contribute positively to the resolution of issues.

• Working under pressure and to strict deadlines, prioritising, organising, and planning own and others fluctuating workloads.
• Ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders clearly and proactively
• Adaptation and responding to change
• Ability to use influence and persuasion to achieve objectives
• Ability to use thoughtful judgement to manage complex service delivery
• Flexible approach to the working day
• Shares knowledge and expertise with others

• Initial 6 to 12 month ongoing contract with the opportunity to extendPAYE via Umbrella
• PAYE Via Umbrella 
• Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
• 37 Hours Per week with some flexibility to meet the needs of the service.