Senior Planning Officer

 £32,878 - £37,849 per annum

Lancaster City Council needs a motivated and skilled qualified Senior Planning Officer to join its Planning and Housing Policy Team.

Having recently completed the hearing sessions of its Local Plan examination the Council now needs to take the plan through to adoption whilst also planning the delivery of strategic development sites including Bailrigg Garden Village. The plan is being advanced alongside other significant development proposals including the Eden Project North, the Canal Quarter in Lancaster centre and the Heysham Gateway employment growth area. The Council is also bidding for funding to support regeneration in Morecambe through the Future High Streets Fund.

Importantly, following the declaration of a Climate Emergency the Council is also keen to review its plans and strategies to ensure that decisions and actions are positively shaped by this fast evolving agenda.

If you are an experienced professional keen to contribute your sound knowledge of planning policy and support the delivery of successful and sustainable development proposals then this is a great opportunity to be part of a combined planning policy, housing strategy and heritage team.  

Applicants will need to demonstrate the capability to prepare development plan documents and supplementary planning guidance. Experience in; developing master plans; assessing development needs for housing and employment; working with partners, and, a good knowledge of transport planning will be particularly welcomed.  To meet business needs and demands you may also be asked to support the development management function, thus prior experience in determining development proposals will be an advantage, as will having a positive attitude towards helping to deliver the development management function when required.  You will need the confidence to act independently, have excellent interpersonal skills and possess the personal determination needed to achieve results in the context of challenge.  You will be required to give evidence at public inquires and local plan examinations.  It is essential that you are a planning professional and therefore you must be a Chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

A full current UK driving licence is essential, as the post holder will be required to drive to visit sites and attend meetings throughout the district. Reasonable adjustments can be made for those who are unable to drive due to a disability.

The hours of work for this position are 37 per week, working normal office hours. There is a reasonable requirement to attend meetings and consultation events outside of normal working hours.  The Council currently operates a Flexible Working Hours Scheme which applies to this post. This post is presently based at Morecambe Town Hall.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Maurice Brophy, Planning and Housing Policy Manager, on 01524 582330.

Excellent benefits include: A Local Government Pension Scheme (the Council makes a 15.5% contribution). Discounted gym membership and discount on days out, activities and retail.

To apply please click on the 'Apply Button'

Closing date: 19th August 2019.

Interview date: 28th August 2019.