JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Planning Manager (Full Time)
Directorate: Prosperity
Department: Planning
Location: Church Street Offices, Newtownards but may be throughout the Borough
Reports to: Principal Planner
Salary Scale: P04, SCP 36 - 39
Car User Status: Casual
PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST
To assist in providing a high quality, customer-focused Planning Service by dealing efficiently and effectively with pre-applications, planning applications and planning appeals and by making a positive contribution toward the achievement of a high performing and cost-effective Service.
To contribute to the review and formulation of planning policies and site development proposals, and to support, as directed and necessary, other Council-led projects.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Management of staff case load, including appropriate allocation of work and monitoring of performance across the range of planning functions.
2. Day to day line management and professional development of Planning Officers and Senior Planners involved in processing of planning applications in line with set statutory performance indicators, and planning appeals.
3. Coordination, quality control and management of Professional Planning Case Officer reports on applications delegated for decision to the authorised officer, on a weekly basis for distribution to the Planning Committee.
4. Coordination and management of Pre-Application Discussions with relevant stakeholders, and provision of professional planning advice as required, including with internal Planning staff and, where appropriate, with other Council service units.
5. Management of own case load to process and evaluate more complex planning applications including preparation of professional reports, EIA screening and consideration of regional and local policy and guidance.
6. To prepare and present quality professional advice, briefing information and reports to appropriate individuals and bodies at all levels of the Council’s governance arrangements and to external organisations, public meetings and site visits as required, including outside normal office hours
7. Contribute to the Local Development Plan and the formulation of new strategic policies and site proposals.
8. Input into research and analysis of information leading to the making of planning policy or planning recommendations and decisions.
9. To maintain a current knowledge of relevant law, policies, working practices and procedures.
10. Using the Council’s IT systems and software to seek, organise, evaluate and communicate information effectively.
11. Dealing face to face, by correspondence, telephone and electronic communication with enquiries from the public, elected representatives, council officers etc.
12. Ensure effective performance management and training/development of staff to meet the needs of the relevant service unit and wider council and meet customer satisfaction targets.
13. To comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council Policies and legal requirements.
14. To work flexibly in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job and participate as required in multi-disciplinary and cross-organisations group and task teams.
15. Whilst this post will be initially based in Development Management, the post holder may be required to work across the other Service areas of Planning Service, namely Development Plan or Planning Enforcement, subject to the needs of the Planning Service, and as determined by the Head of Planning.
16. To undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post.
The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process.
CATEGORY
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
QUALIFICATIONS
* Degree in a recognised planning qualification (e.g. Town and Country Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Architecture, Urban Regeneration) or an equivalent/ higher standard of qualification
OR
* HNC/ HND/ BTEC Higher National Certificate in Planning, Surveying and Cartography or BTEC Higher National Certificate in Land Administration (Planning) or equivalent qualification
* Member of Royal Town Planning Institute/ Irish Planning Institute or equivalent
EXPERIENCE
This experience only applies if a degree or equivalent qualification is held:
* A minimum of three years’ experience working in a managerial role within a planning environment
OR
This experience only applies if a HNC/ HND/ BTEC Higher National Certificate or equivalent qualification is held
* A minimum of five years’ experience working in a managerial role within a planning environment.
* Experience and evidence of conducting planning appeals
* Experience of processing complex planning application with minimal supervision
* Experience in the preparation of committee and other reports
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY
* Extensive knowledge of planning legislation, planning law, policies and procedures and a good appreciation of current planning issues.
* Ability to work unsupervised
* Excellent level of written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to manage workload and meet deadlines
* Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting work demands
* Ability to manage a team effectively to meet performance indicators and ability to address under-performance as required
* Knowledge and understanding of Geographical Information Systems.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
A valid driving licence with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or have access to a suitable form of transport which will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post**
It is essential that the post holder be prepared to undertake all hours as necessary for the efficient discharge of the post including attendance at early morning, evening and weekend work.
**The above alternative (access to a suitable form of transport), is a ‘reasonable adjustment’ specifically for applicants with disabilities, who as a result of their disability, are unable to hold a valid driving licence
The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.
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