Role purpose
To provide an arboricultural service to the Council by delivering the Council’s statutory duties in respect of trees and hedgerows as per obligations under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended). The post supports the provision of resilient tree preservation and management across the wider Council being a key specialism within the planning service. Giving technical/professional advice to the Council on all aspects relating to tree preservation, woodland management, hedgerow regulations and high hedge complaints.
To support the delivery of the Council’s Tree Strategy as an objective of Somerset Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy with regards to the current Local Plan and other Local / National Policies.
Responsibilities
1. Consider and process applications for work to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Write reports and make recommendations to ensure consistency and quality, compliance with statutory deadlines and timescales; including preparing for any appeals against a decision of the Council relating to works to trees subject of a TPO.
2. Consider and process notifications for works to trees within conservation areas (CA), negotiate with applicants as required and prepare associated technical reports as necessary.
3. Prepare new tree preservation orders and update old tree preservation orders as necessary, including surveys, preparation of reports, aspects of objections and the efficient maintenance of records.
4. Consider and process notifications for removal of hedgerows in the open countryside and prepare associated technical reports as necessary.
5. Support Planning Enforcement in respect of investigations of unauthorised tree works or hedgerow removals. Advise on the Council’s response in respect of unauthorised works to trees under TPO or within a Conservation Area and where necessary to appear as the Council’s technical expert at any inquiry, hearing or court case arising there from.
6. When consulted, advise on planning applications and discharge of conditions, which can include complex/contentious applications and projects, to achieve the Council’s statutory and non-statutory planning functions.
7. Prepare reports to present evidence as technical expert through written representation, at hearing and at planning inquiries.
8. Prepare and present reports as necessary to committee meetings, officers and public groups.
9. Provide arboricultural advice and expert service independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team to the Council as a whole. Advise other departments on the employment of arboricultural consultants and contractors. Provide specialist arboricultural advice as necessary, as part of the preparation of planning policies (through the Statutory Development Plan process) and development briefs to ensure that trees are considered and a high quality of environment is achieved.
Experience
1. Experience and competency in assessing the health and condition of trees.
2. Experience and ability of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
3. Experience and working knowledge of the local government planning process, including planning enforcement procedures.
4. IT literate with experience of using word processing, spreadsheets, GIS/map based systems and database packages as well as the internet.
5. Ability to provide detailed advice across a range of arboricultural issues in a development management/planning environment, including process and procedural matters.
If you are interested in this role please do reach out to me via email or telephone!
Email: amberrayment@carringtonblakerecruitment.com
Phone: 020 753 766 07
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