Corby Borough Council – Job Description
Planning Officer(Development Control)
Service Area: / Planning & Environmental Services
Reports To: / Principal Planner Development Control
Responsible For: / N/A
Scale: / Sc 5 to P04 (scp 22-36) Subject to Progression bars
Overall Job Purpose:
The post holder will be employed within the Planning & Environmental Services and be responsible to the Principal Planner (Development Control) for exercising professional development management and other skills
As a key member of the Borough Council’s Development Management Team the planning officer will: -
1. Be delivery and project focussed
2. Positively represent the planning department, with the community and wider stakeholders
3. Be proactive in seeking practical solutions through partnership working and project management
4. Take a development management approach to proposals to enable development to be delivered.
5. Work with external interests, promoters, developers and North Northants stakeholders to promote growth in Corby in line with the Council’s Corporate Vision and Objectives.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
(This list contains the main duties and responsibilities of the post holder but it is not an exhaustive list)
1. Provide formal and informal planning advice, on a range of proposals to deliver successful outcomes, positive improvements and practical solutions.
2. Provide development management advice and support in connection with preparation of Local Plan policies, supplementary Planning Guidance etc., as directed.
3. Manage a range of applications through to Development Control Committee make recommendation and informed decisions at various stages, in accordance with national, sub regional and Council approved planning policies and other material considerations
4. Prepare written and/or illustrative submissions for, and act as expert witness at planning appeal hearings and Inquiries, or as otherwise required.
5. Attend the Development Control Committee, as directed.
6. Assist the Principal Planner (Development Control) in achieving continuous improvement in delivery of Development management services through best practice, innovation and team working, in line with best value principles.
7. Utilise project and programme management techniques, ICT and other professional software in the efficient delivery of the service.
8. Maintain professional competence through continuous professional development, including up-to-date knowledge by reading/using PPGs, legislation and other sources of relevant information. Disseminate ideas and information to colleagues.
9. Provide professional advice to assist customers of the Service outside of the formal application process.
10. Represent the Principal Planner at meetings with Officers of other Local Authorities, or with other stakeholders, e.g. at User Groups.
11. As directed by the Principal Planner, and/or Head of Service assist on a project basis with the supervision of project staff and other multi disciplinary teams or individuals in the delivery of projects.
12. Carry out other reasonable duties to the above within the overall job purpose as directed by the Principal Planner.
13. Ensure that the Health and Safety of themselves and all others affected by their work is a priority and H&S procedures and policies are strictly followed and adhered to.
Additional Information / Local Agreements attached to this post
Post holder must be willing to attend evening meetings as and when required
Post holder must be willing to travel
Post holder must hold a valid driving licence
There may be a requirement for working outside normal hours for which time off in lieu or overtime payment are available on Sc5/6. For higher grade appointment the salary reflects the requirement.
I have read and understood the job description and sign to accept the above terms and conditions of employment.
Employee Signature Date:
Authorisation Signature Date:
Progression Bars for Post of Planning Officer
Progression in grade dependent on minimum entry requirement PLUS:
Scale 5 (sp pt 22-25
Degree in relevant subject or equivalent, e.g. Town Planning, Urban Design, Conservation, Architecture, Geography etc
Scale 6 (sp pt 26-28)
As above plus:
Desirable criteria 1,2,4,6 and 7 of the person specification including:
LPA Planning Policy (minimum 1 year experience) or
LPA Development Control (minimum 1 year experience)
SO1 (sp pt 29- 31)
As for above plus:
Degree/Diploma in Town Planning recognised by RTPI
Desirable criteria 3, 5 and 8 of the person specification including:
LPA Planning Policy (minimum 2 years experience) or
LPA Development Control (minimum 2 years experience)
SO2 (sp pt 32- 34)
As for above plus:
Member of RTPI; undertakes as a minimum, the mandatory CPD requirements of RTPI
PO1 - 4 (sp pt 33- 36)
As for above plus:
A minimum of 2 years experience post MRTPI as a Local Plan Officer dealing with a range of Development Plan Documents of sufficient complexity to demonstrate skill/experience gained.
Or
A minimum of 2 years experience post MRTPI as a DC Case Officer dealing with a range of Major applications of sufficient complexity to demonstrate skill/experience gained including recognised qualifications or experience in Urban Design
Notes
· This should be read in conjunction with the Person Specification overleaf
· Appointment to grade and spinal point within a grade is dependent upon the qualification/experience offered by the candidate
· Progression by annual increment within and across grades
· Progression through the grade will be dependent upon satisfying all the criteria stated and maintaining satisfactory performance in post and will be subject to the satisfactory completion of the career grade progression review and manager’s recommendation. This will take effect from the date that the necessary level of qualification, experience, knowledge and skill has been satisfied.
Corby Borough Council – Person Specification
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and experience
Criteria /Skills, Knowledge, Experience etc
/ Essential / Desirable / Method of AssessmentEducation / Qualifications / Satisfy entry criteria for professional Planning course recognised by RTPI / (E) / Application
Recognisable training in Development Control or Planning Policy and Planning Principles and practise / (E) / Application
Educated to ‘A’ level and / or Degree level or equivalent / (E) / Application
Degree or Diploma in relevant subject e.g. Planning, Architecture / (D) / Application
Degree or Diploma in Town Planning or equivalent Recognised by RTPI / (D) / Application
Degree or Diploma in Town Planning with at least two years relevant post qualification experience and RTPI Membership for appointment on SO2. / (D) / Application
Skills / Experience / Relevant experience applying planning skills to development proposals or policy development. / (E) / Application/Interview
Relevant experience in a Planning Practice environment / (E) / Application Interview
Relevant experience year experience of ICT in a business environment / (E) / Application/Interview
Flair and ability to apply planning skills to specific sites; concise and accurate report writing skills / (E) / Application/Interview
Ability to communicate ideas for improvements to development proposals or planning policy / (E) / Application/Interview
Well organised and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines / (E) / Application/Interview
Ability to exercise with sensitivity and practical approach, technical / professional skills in a political environment / (E) / Application/Interview
Experience in other areas of planning e.g. Conservation / (D) / Application/Interview
Presentation Skills / (D) / Application/Interview
Relevant experience as LPA Development Control Officer or Local plans / Policy Officer / (D) / Application/Interview
Computer literate e.g. C.L.A.I.T and / or I.B.T.2 equivalent / (D) / Application/Interview
Able to communicate relevant ideas to suit different audiences / customer needs / (D) / Application/Interview
Use of time management skills / (D) / Application/Interview
Knowledge of the role that key stakeholders e.g. Councillors, have in delivering planning outcomes / (D) / Application/Interview
Miscellaneous / Willingness and commitment to continuing professional development / (E) / Interview
In business is focused on customer needs and able to work with in this mind / (E) / Interview
Team player, self motivated and able to work with minimum supervision / (E) / Interview
Able to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels, with a positive and helpful attitude / (E) / Interview
Committed to improvements to the built environment through The Planning Service / (E) / Interview
Flexible attitude, willing and able to accept change / (E) / Interview
Understanding of key issues relating to the modernisation of the planning system / (E) / Interview
Valid Driving Licence / (E) / Application
Able to attend meetings or occasional work outside office hours / (E) / Interview
Evidence of self motivation from previous training embarked upon / (D) / Interview
Awareness of what represents excellent customer care / (D) / Interview
Willing to share knowledge with, and learn from colleagues / (D) / Interview
Creative and innovative approach to problem solving / (D) / Interview
Commitment to the principles and practice of Best Value / (D) / Interview