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The Friday Five 08.02.19

Published on: 8 Feb 2019

A round-up of five of the best, most interesting, significant or unusual jobs on Planner Jobs this week.

Gas light [square]1. THIS JOB'S A GAS

What?

Team leaders, senior planners, planners and planning graduates, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Where?

Westminster, of course - in super-modern Terry Farrell-designed offices shared with the Home Office at 2 Marsham Street.

The job

A swathe of opportunities to work "at the heart of planning". It's high-end stuff: "The roles will involve opportunities to work on overseeing national planning policy, infrastructure, planning applications process, development plans and Secretary of State casework. You will work with senior officials across Whitehall, as well as engaging with a wide range of external partners including business and local government."

There are also opportunities to apply for the MHCLG's two-year Graduate Planner Programme, starting in Autumn 2019

In terms of location, well, it's Westminster. It's the seat of government, and the Palace of Westminster is just a few minutes' walk away. You probably couldn't afford a flat around the corner, but its a buzzy, exciting place to work.

Fun fact

Before Farrell's creation, 2 Marsham Street was occupied by three concrete tower blocks known colloquially as "the three ugly sisters" and which were loathed by former Environment Secretary Michael Heseltine, among others. But before that, from 1818, the site was the home of the Chartered Gas Works of the Westminster Gas Light and Coke Company, which is considered to be the original company from which British Gas is descended. Some would say the only gas there now is hot air...

Find out more and apply

Glass of whisky [square]2. JUST A WEE DRAM (with apologies to our Scottish readers)

What?

Principal development planner with environmental planning consultancy LUC.

Where?

In a handsome former warehouse above a music shop and a rug store beside the River Kelvin in Hillhead, in Glasgow's West End.

The job

A nationwide consultancy, LUC's work includes renewable energy, housing and mixed-use development, minerals and waste planning, infrastructure, primary, secondary and tertiary education, health, agriculture and forestry development, and sport and recreation. "The role includes engaging with a range of development projects for both public and private sector clients, including:

  • Advising clients on the feasibility of projects.
  • Pre-application advice.
  • Preparing and submitting planning applications.
  • Responding to development proposals and plans.
  • Working alongside our EIA team to provide advice on the planning implications of EIA developments and reviewing EIA-Reports.

The role will also contribute to a range of policy and research projects."

Hillhead is one of the most culturally diverse, home to students adn academics, BBC Scotland employees, actors, broadcasters and writers, among others.

Fun fact

Once known as Kelvin House, the warehouse at 37 Otago Street was seemingly built for the Hepburn family's furniture firm. But it also served as the home for Hepburn and Ross who produced Red Hackle Whisky. A venerable brand, much admired by enthusiasts, it's no longer produced.  But ‘ghost sign’ advertising the company’s Red Hackle blend is still visible on the building's gable end. 

Find out more and apply

John Bonham [square]3. STAIRWAY TO PLANNING

What?

Temporary student planner (12 months), Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, in the West Midlands.

Where?

Council offices in the same complex as Dudley's smart 1920s town hall, two minutes walk from the town centre and a hop and skip from Dudley Castle and Zoo.

The job

"Are you a University Student currently studying for a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Accredited degree and looking for a gap year opportunity?

"Do you want to have first-hand experience in an award winning local planning authority? Are you keen to expand your knowledge of the planning process and procedures?

"If so, we have a vacancy for a student planner within an award winning and highly commended local planning authority that could be the right experience for you."

The borough, within the Black Country, has a population of around 320,000 and a long history as an industrial centre for manufacturing, quarrying, and mining. Indeed, it's widely regarded as on elf the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution.

Fun fact

Notoriously angry, hellraising Led Zeppelin drummer John 'Bonzo' Bonham apparently lived in a high rise in Dudley for around four years from 1966 - the period during which Led Zeppelin formed and found fame. The back cover of the 1971 Led Zeppelin IV album (yes, the one with Stairway to Heaven) features the council block in which Bonham lived - Butterfield Court, off Salop Street. Considered by some the most influential drummer in rock history, Bonham died at the just 32 from choking on his own vomit after a drinking session.

Find out more and apply

Reg Varney [square]4. TICKETS PLEASE!

What?

Senior policy planners (x2), Enfield Council, centred on the town of Enfield and with a population of 332, 000.

Where?

The Civic Centre, a 1970s tower block just outside the town centre.

The job

"Exciting opportunities have arisen in our newly established Place Department for senior policy planners seeking to advance their careers and join our ambitious Plan Making Team.

"At Enfield we are looking for professionals with enthusiasm and knowledge to lead in a range of strategic planning areas but in particular on helping deliver Enfield’s New Local Plan. Enfield has huge transformation aspirations, with exciting planning and regeneration projects such as our flagship Meridian Water development and the prospect of securing Crossrail 2 and future growth in our borough."

The London Borough of Enfield is London's northernmost borough, largely urban and with a population of around 330,000. Once a small market town, Enfield and its surrounds have grown with the city of London into a large residential suburb with fast transport links to central London.

Fun fact

Enfield is the site of the world's first cash machine, opened in 1967 at the local branch of Barclays Bank. Such was the fanfare that it was opened by Enfield resident and famous sitcom actor Reg Varney (from On the Buses). This means Varney was the FIRST PERSON IN THE WORLD to use a cashpoint, on Tuesday 27 June 1967. This historical event is marked by an English Heritage blue plaque.

Find out more and apply

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival [square]5. HOLD MY HALBERD

What?

Senior planning and enforcement officer, Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Where?

Smart, purpose-built offices outside the town centre, between vineyard and playing fields in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

The job

"With an exceptional built and natural environment, the Borough contains a rich diversity of areas including large parts of the Cotswold AONB and Severn Vale, 14 conservation areas, some 1,800 listed heritage assets and the historic market towns of Tewkesbury and Winchcombe.

"Along with this stunning environment and rich history there is huge development pressure. Tewkesbury Borough is at the heart of the M5 economic growth corridor and is preparing to manage up to 40 per cent of Gloucestershire’s entire growth.

"Planning enforcement is of course crucial to the successful delivery of new development and we are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and proactive planning  and enforcement professional with a flair for positive decision-making to help with our varied and challenging work."

Tewkesbury is a pretty and historic medieval market town at the confluence of the Rivers Severn and Avon, noted for its Norman Abbey. 

Fun fact

On the second weekend of July each year the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival puts on 'Europe's largest battle re-enactment and fair'. Thousands of re-enactors travel to the town from around the world to re-enact the Battle of Tewkesbury - which, on 4 May 1471, ended the Wars of the Roses with the complete defeat of the House of York by the House of Lancaster.

Find out more and apply

Photo credits: Dina Regine (John Bonham), Hans Peter/Anefo (Reg Varney), iStock