Job Description

Job Title: Senior Planning Officer
Starting Salary: xc2xa337,035 progressing to xc2xa340,476 pa - pay award pending
Hours: 37.0
Location: Farnham House, Stevenage (but with home working)
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Growth & EnvironmentAbout the teamThe Development Management Team has responsibility for determining, monitoring and enforcing planning applications for minerals and waste development as well as determining applications for the county council's own development such as schools, day centres and fire & rescue facilities.The team is comprised of experienced town planners and associated support staff to ensure the statutory and discretionary functions are implemented appropriately working alongside developers, operators, property colleagues, agents, consultants, internal and external technical experts, legal officers and partnering agencies, amongst others.About the roleAs a member of our Development Management Team, you will have your own caseload for determining planning applications, a mix of Regulation 3 applications for the County Council's own development, but also for minerals and waste development.This will involve responding to pre-application enquiries and processing planning applications in accordance with the County Council's policies and objectives. Decisions will need to be made related to planning conditions, non-material amendments and support for monitoring and enforcement work.You will need to negotiate with developers to ensure a high standard of development within Hertfordshire and engage with key stakeholders to ensure appropriate involvement in the planning process.As part of this role, you will be responsible for drafting reports with recommendations for Committee decisions, delegated decisions, and briefing papers for local members and senior officers. Additionally, they may need to prepare and present evidence for planning appeals resulting from the refusal of planning permission, non-determination of applications, or enforcement actions.You will have overall responsibility for a number of operational sites, including involvement in site monitoring and enforcement jointly with Enforcement colleagues.You will be expected to contribute to the development and maintenance of the Unit's systems and procedures including the development of MasterGov and GIS.The role will allow for home working with the need to visit sites (including access to own vehicle) for site appraisals and investigation and also getting together with colleagues and the Development Management Team as part of collaborative working practice.About youEssential:

• Relevant experience for entry at Senior Planning Officer level and eligibility for full membership of RTPI.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of town and country planning procedures and law.
• Education to at least degree level in town and country planning or closely related subject or equivalent experience.
• Ability to prepare well-presented and reasoned reports with clear and justified recommendations on planning applications and related matters.
• Able to communicate tactfully and clearly with all stakeholders in the planning process, i.e. officers of the County Council, District/Borough Councils, members of the public, consultees, applicants and their agents, and County Councillors.
• Experience of working within a team and making positive contributions, demonstrating support and respect
• Ability to work to deadlines and manage a number of projects at the same time.
• Able to work to and meet performance targets (including dealing with planning applications).
• Experience of managing and prioritising your own workload.
• Experience of working with Windows based applications, MS Office programmes, planning software and GIS.
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to own car

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.This job role is within the Technical Services, level TEC10 job profile. Please locate this via:Job profiles: Technical servicesTo hear more about this opportunity please contact brian.owen@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.Interview Date: TBCPlease note that if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close the vacancy earlier than the stated deadlineBenefits of working for usHow to applyAs part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.Driving required
You'll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.

Local Government Jobs