Senior Planning Officer

BBT

Job Description

PURPOSE OF JOB

To assist the Council in its role as Local Planning Authority in:-

1. Fulfilling its statutory duties in respect of the determination of planning and associated applications, enforcement of planning control and tree protection under the Town and Country Planning Act and associated legislation.

2. Meeting the objectives of the Development Control Service in maintaining, regenerating and improving the environment of the Borough by the implementation of the Council's Unitary Development Plan and other planning policies.

3. Meeting the objective of the Development Control Service in providing an efficient, effective and good value service.

4. Assist the Council in the achievement of its corporate objectives through the planning process.

DUTIES
1. To assess all types of planning and associated applications including site visit (generally unaccompanied), consultation, negotiation written report and
recommendation to agreed timescales, having particular responsibility for
major development proposals.

2. Act as lead officer and co-ordinator in respect of special development projects which involve participation in and the co-ordination of multi-disciplinary teams comprising representatives from other Council services and outside bodies.

3. To liaise with the Head of the Environmental Crime Unit and the Planning Supervisor within the Unit and Legal Services to progress of planning enforcement work to agreed timescales..

4. To deal with the professional planning aspects of planning enforcement work including the assessment of evidence and formulation of plans of action.

5. Negotiate agreements under S.106 of the Town and Country Planning Act where appropriate to secure wider benefit from development proposals.

6. Deal with planning appeals and represent the Council at Informal Hearings and Public Inquiries, having particular responsibility for major development appeals.

7. Deal with planning enquiries from agents, applicants and the public.

8. Give pre-application planning advice to prospective developers.

9. Advise local Societies, Associations and Groups on planning issues, including attendance at meetings as required.

10 Deal with correspondence arising from development control work.

11. Deal with correspondence on planning issues from MP.'s and Councillors in accordance with the standards set by Environment Direct.

12. To liaise with and positively support the work of Environment Direct in providing a quality service in all areas of contact with customers.

13. Act as reception duty officer to explain planning application proposals and give general planning advice to visiting members of the public.

14. Liaise and consult with other services and external bodies where
necessary in respect of development proposals.

15. Advise other Team members in all aspects of development control work.

16. Organise and monitor personal workload and adhere to agreed timescales and procedures.

17. Maintain an up to date knowledge of planning practice, legislation, policy and trends.

18. Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as required by the Area Planning Manager.