Advert
Planning Officer: National and Major Projects
37 hours per week, permanent position
£45,243 to £48,966 per annum, inclusive of £2,859 Distant Islands Allowance per annum
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is the Planning Authority for the islands of the Outer Hebrides, an area renowned for its strong sense of community, environmental quality, beautiful scenery, outdoor opportunities, low crime rates, good educational opportunities and a strong cultural scene.
By 2027 the Isle of Lewis is to be connected to the National Grid via a 1.8GW radial interconnector cable that will release the large scale renewable energy development potential of the Outer Hebrides. Allied to this are proposals for significant development of electricity infrastructure, classed as National Development on account of its status as part of the National Grid. There is therefore a need to address the consenting requirements of a programme of National, Major and/or EIA development projects.
The Planning Officer in this position will provide professional planning services to enable the Comhairle to fulfil statutory planning duties and related services. Working within the Development Management team, the primary focus of the post will be to manage a caseload in respect of major projects, particularly those related to Renewable Energy developments, energy infrastructure, and related Housing.
Whilst adhering to the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Code of Professional Conduct, you will be required to engage constructively with developers and their professional agents in the Renewables and Electricity Infrastructure sectors; process and assess applications for development; provide planning advice to the public; implement and facilitate delivery of associated projects; draft reports; prepare and present reports for Committee; and undertake the duties necessary to defend Comhairle decisions at planning appeals, hearings or public inquiries.
You will hold Full or Associate Membership of the RTPI and have proven experience of a significant breadth and depth in Development Management/Development Plan work. In addition, you must have good knowledge of current planning legislation and associated guidance and knowledge and understanding of EIA processes. You must have good interpersonal, listening, negotiation, and written communication skills. The ability to accept responsibility and work constructively within a small team, whilst also organising and prioritising your own workload is essential.
A current full UK driving licence is essential.
The attached employee testimonial provides an insight to working as a Planning Officer in the Outer Hebrides from a current member of the team.
Salary for the above post is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance. Appointment to the post will be on the first point of the grade.
Please see attached Job Description & Person Specification for further information. It is vital to read the job description and person specification, in your supporting statement please detail how you meet each of the essential criteria we ask for in the person specification.
Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
Closing Date: Thursday 27 March 2025
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