The Planning Policy and Climate Action Manager will lead a team delivering the Council's local plan and related planning policy work, and the Council's strategic approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
This role will play a critical role in maintaining momentum around plan-making, the examination of the plan and its delivery once adopted.
With the support of a newly appointed Senior Climate Action Officer, the Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the programme of work arising from the action plan is delivered, and that climate action is embedded in the policies of the Council and delivered through partnership working with partners and responsible bodies.
This role will also be responsible for ensuring that relevant requirements of the Environment Act related to Biodiversity Net Gain and Environmental reporting are delivered.
Accountabilities
* Responsible for the day-to-day management of between five and seven staff within the team including performance appraisals, leave and sickness, advice, mentoring and development of officers, and taking responsibility for workload planning based on agreed priorities.
* Lead the team in the preparation of the Development Plan and any associated strategies and guidance resulting from the Council's plan-making obligations under the Town and Country Planning Act and related legislation, in accordance with the timescales set out in the Local Development Scheme.
* Commission, prepare, consider and/or evaluate evidence related to planning policy matters.
* Provide the Council, including elected Members, with planning advice on all planning policy matters affecting the Council.
* Prepare the Council's formal response to strategic planning and infrastructure consultations
* Actively engage in collaborative working at national, county, and sub-regional levels with other authorities, government agencies and partner organisations as appropriate, and in accordance with Duty to Cooperate best practice.
* Lead the preparation, drafting and production of strategic planning advice and policy to help the Council fulfil its role in sub-regional planning activities.
* Provide, direction, support and to contribute towards the development of the Council strategy and approach to climate action, including an relevant requirements for engagement.
* To provide direction, support and to contribute towards the development of the Council strategy and approach to Green and Blue Infrastructure.
* Oversee the delivery of the programme of work set out in the climate action strategy and the green and blue infrastructure strategy.
* To advocate for and ensure that climate resilience is delivered through the policies of the Council and through partnership working.
* Ensure that the Environment Act requirements in respect of Biodiversity Net Gain and Environmental reporting are delivered.
To be successful in this role you must possess a planning degree or post graduate qualification along with advanced knowledge of planning legislation and best practice. You will also need to have knowledge of environmental legislation and policies in relation to climate action and the environment.
In addition, this role requires:
* Significant experience of working within a local planning authority preparing and delivering local plans
* Experience of developing policies related to climate action and/or environmental management
* Experience of participating at planning Inquiries, Hearings or Examinations in Public
* Ability to undertake engagement with stakeholders, businesses or the community
* Experience of leading a team or supervising other team members
Castle Point Borough Council is proud to be a disability confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
Why Castle Point? Castle Point Borough Council is a statutory body responsible for employing nearly 350 staff, and delivering over 150 council services, both statutory and for the community's well-being and benefit. Castle Point Borough Council aims to provide high-quality and financially sustainable services while prioritising outstanding customer service, transparency in decision-making, and promoting local democracy. Additionally, the council seeks to transform, modernize, and improve its performance, as well as support and enable the communities within its jurisdiction to be strong, healthy, and thriving.