Application Deadline: 29 November 2024 Department: Pride in Place Location: Torbay Council Compensation: £37,938 - £40,476 / year Description Job Description & Person Specification > Torbay is a glorious part of the UK, a magnet for tourists sitting on the beautiful Tor Bay and next to the stunning natural landscape of Dartmoor National Park. We benefit from a mild climate making this a hugely attractive place to live and work. We are an agile unitary authority, and you'll soon discover this is a place where you can make things happen quickly. We have real momentum, with once in a generation investment taking place across our three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. We have a shared sense of purpose and ambition and everyone who works here has the same thing in common - to see a healthy, happy and prosperous Torbay. About the role: As a Planning Officer, your main role is to offer expert advice on all things related to Development Management. This includes giving appropriate pre-application guidance and ensuring the effective and efficient handling of planning applications, as well as various other planning requests and approvals. What will you be doing? Your day to day work will be varied and busy; you'll be responsible for making a proactive and positive contribution to the Spatial Planning Team's effective delivery, with an emphasis on providing excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders. There will be some data entry and ensuring compliance with performance indicators and best practices. Site visits, meetings, and process improvements are all included. You'll have the ability to manage conflicting priorities within a pressurised environment and be motivated to enable us to achieve the best for our residents. About you We're looking for a motivated Planning Officer who thrives on delivering exceptional service and contributing positively to our team. Being a proactive team player is essential, as you'll collaborate with various departments, support key projects, and potentially contribute to the formulation of policy planning. The ideal candidate for this role is a dedicated and knowledgeable Planning Officer who is customer-focused, team-oriented, and committed to driving excellence in our Planning Service. This position is for a fixed term until 10th October 2026. If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/council/jobs/job-descriptions/planning-officer/ For an informal chat please contact Jim Blackwell on 07827355310 or Jim.Blackwelltorbay.gov.uk. Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 2nd December 2024. Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible. Skills Essential: Effective analytical and problem-solving skills. Communication and negotiation skills. Willingness to maintain and improve standards and performance through implementation of good practice and personal development. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. Knowledge Essential: Able to demonstrate knowledge of planning legislation, government advice and policy, circulars and guidance notes and awareness of general issues facing the planning profession. Knowledge of the development management process from pre-application enquiry to post decision matters. Understanding of the role of sustainability, energy efficiency, design and other important planning considerations. Experience & Qualifications Essential: Relevant and demonstrable experience in Development Management. Awareness of wider environmental issues, including climate change, sustainable transport and how the historic environment links to the wide corporate and national sustainability agenda. Degree or diploma in Planning, Architecture, Geography or a related discipline or significant relevant experience.