Job Description
Your new company
My client is a collaborative planning service managed by a shared planning team. It is a joint effort between two councils. Their main functions are:
* Managing planning applications: Residents and businesses can view, track, and comment on planning applications through the Online Planning Register.
* Developing planning policy: The team works on current and emerging planning policies and guidance to shape the future development of the area.
* Ensuring compliance: They oversee planning compliance and building control to ensure developments meet regulatory standards.
* Preserving heritage and environment: The service includes design, heritage, and environmental considerations to maintain the character and sustainability of the region.
This shared planning approach aims to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and foster community involvement in the planning and development of the area.
Your new role
* Dealing with planning applications and legislation including whether development proposals require permission in accordance with statutory and Council policy and procedure.
* The provision of advice on Arboriculture matters, as relevant to the role, to case officers, senior officers and external agents involved in development, and as appropriate to Committee and public meetings throughout the pre-application, consultation and post-decision stages, including acting where appropriate as advisor to public/internal panels and the Planning Committee.
* To give guidance to and advice on technical and administrative work related to field of study.
* To advise on legislative changes from Central Government on relevant planning matters.
* To deliver projects and activities consistent with the promotion of high-quality sustainable design and construction and/or the effective management of the built or natural environment. This is likely to include engagement with external agencies and stakeholders, including communities, developers/specialists and elected representatives on behalf of the Council.
* Act as advocate for and to develop, implement and continuously review and monitor strategies related to Heritage, Ecology, Arboriculture, Landscape, Urban Design and Environmental Sustainability to promote sustainable management, enhancement and protection of built and natural heritage across greater Cambridge.
* The provision of advice on Heritage, Ecology, Arboriculture, landscape, Urban Design and/or Environmental Sustainability matters, as relevant to the role, to case officers, senior officers and external agents involved in development, and as appropriate to Committee and public meetings throughout the pre-application, consultation and post decision stages, including acting where appropriate as advisor to public/internal panels and the Planning Committee.
* To have in depth knowledge of trees in relation to both development and the ability to deal with applications relating to tree works in conservation areas and protected trees.
What you'll need to succeed
* Degree or Equivalent
* Post qualification work experience in a professional office in the field of Arboriculture.
* Knowledge and understanding of arboriculture within the Local Authority Planning context.
* Ability to prepare reports on planning applications and appeals - accurate and concise report writing skills.
* Excellent communications skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a range of customers and stakeholders
* Ability to monitor the progress of planning applications in order to achieve decisions within specified/laid down time scales, i.e. monitoring skills, time management skills.
* Ability to negotiate effectively with applicants and other stakeholders to protect the relevant Council's position and /or promote relevant corporate and service objectives through the planning process to achieve required outcomes.
* Ability to carry out site visits.
* Ability to negotiate/respond to public and developer enquiries, i.e. speaking and advisory skills.
* Ability to respond and prepare reports on complex planning applications and / or projects.
* Ability to attend and contribute on authority's behalf to public and other meetings (i.e. presentation and speaking skills).
* Demonstrable staff management and mentoring skills.
* Project management skills
* Ability to liaise on planning issues with other professionals and partners, etc.
* Ability to demonstrate an understanding of and to comply with the Councils Equal Opportunities, GDPR and Customer Care Policies.
* Ability to drive and must hold a full and valid current driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work use.
What you'll get in return
* Competitive Salary: £36,000 - £41,500 - dependent on experience
* Professional development opportunities and professional memberships paid for
* Generous annual leave
* Generous local government pension scheme
* Hybrid and flexible working, including flexi-time
* Option to work a 4-day week of 32hrs for the same full-time pay
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
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