We are looking for a dynamic and focussed individual to be one of our Specialists (Principal Planner) as part of our biggest and most ambitious transformation, which will be taking the Council to new levels of excellence. 

This is an exceptional opportunity to work alongside an innovative team who have been shortlisted for Local Authority Planning Team of the Year 2019 and to protect the intrinsic beauty of ‘The Times’ best countryside location and still be within easy reach of London.

As one of our Principal Planners at Maldon District Council, you will prepare reports, make recommendations on planning applications and on other planning related matters and prepare appeal statements. Reporting to the Specialist Services Manager and Lead Specialist for Development Management, you will be expected to have a positive, solution-finding approach to work whilst achieving targets and meeting deadlines. You will present applications to the Planning Committee and represent the Council at appeals. 

As such you should have a sound and thorough knowledge, with extensive practical experience, of all aspects of the planning and the development process, particularly with regard to planning applications, appeals and planning enforcement.

About this role

• The post will involve supporting and providing cover for the Senior Specialist and Lead Specialist as required.
• Effectively assist the Senior Specialist and Lead Specialist in leading and motivating assigned individuals to monitor the achievements of junior members and assist with their continued development.
• Where required in the absence of the Senior Specialist and Lead Specialist, to be the lead officer for the relevant Area Committees and provide support at Member panels and Member events and other situations where there is a Member involvement.
• Act as a point of contact between Council Members and the service in relation to Development Management issues and respond to service related complaints and FOI requests.
• More generally to advise and support staff within planning, corporately and externally on planning related matters.

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Manage work plan delivery for major/complex development proposals providing support for the Senior Specialist and Lead Specialists.
• Take responsibility for assigned caseload.
• Ensure the delivery of robust, timely and comprehensive pre-application advice.
• Advise, negotiate and mediate with prospective applicants, developers and other customers on Planning Services matters.
• Secure effective engagement and implementation of Planning Performance Agreements where appropriate.
• Ensure the effective project management and performance monitoring of major development proposals, the effective delivery of a seamless planning service from policy interpretation through the pre-application process to the delivery of a development management decision.
• Directly responsible for the preparation of appeal statements and where appropriate to represent the Council at appeal hearings, and public inquiries to defend the decision to refuse planning permission or take enforcement action.
• Working with Members in response to their requests for information on planning applications and related matters.
• Respond to complaints from members of Public, Parish Councils, residents’ groups, the local Government Ombudsman and Councilors arising from the post holder’s casework and to assist management in coordinating appropriate responses.
• Contribute to the continuous identification and implementation of improvement and to increase customer satisfaction levels through improving service delivery.
• Assist managers in the monitoring of performance.
• Assist liaison with other service areas of the Council
• Maintain an up to date knowledge of all legislation and maintain an appropriate level of CPD.

You must have excellent report writing, communication and IT skills. You should hold a relevant qualification (preferably in Town Planning) and have at least 3 years’ experience in Development Management. Membership of the RTPI is desirable.

In addition to a competitive salary you will be entitled to participate in the Local Government Pension Scheme, cycle to work scheme, salary sacrifice car lease scheme and will benefit from free parking. You can also receive assistance with child care, discounted local gym membership and payment of one annual professional fee (if applicable). You will also have access to a range of work/life balance policies.

Maldon District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups including children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Disclosure and Barring checks will be undertaken according to the responsibilities of the role.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, culture and experience. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, sex, disability or marital status.

For further information about the role, please contact Matt Leigh, Tel: 01621 875740 or download and read the job description by clicking on the apply link.

Please note: CVs will not be accepted.