3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To provide high-quality, efficient and consistent development management services across Shropshire, with responsibility for assessing and managing complex and major planning applications. The postholder will provide professional planning advice, make recommendations, present applications to Planning Committees where required, and work collaboratively with applicants, consultees, elected Members and internal and external stakeholders to deliver positive planning outcomes.

The role will contribute to the continuous improvement of the Development Management service and support the Council’s wider objectives through effective, customer-focused and policy-compliant planning decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and manage complex, major and technical planning applications in accordance with national legislation, planning policy, local plans and Council procedures.
  
• Prepare professional reports, recommendations and presentations for Planning Committees and other decision-making bodies.
  
• Manage and respond to planning appeals arising from decisions, where required.
  
• Provide professional planning advice to applicants, agents, residents, Members and other stakeholders.
  
• Work closely with internal Council services, statutory consultees and external partners to ensure an integrated and effective development management service.
  
• Coordinate and manage complex applications within required timescales and in accordance with relevant performance targets and planning guidance.
  
• Attend site visits, liaison meetings, stakeholder meetings and other meetings as required.
  
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with applicants, agents, elected Members, residents and other stakeholders, including where matters are complex or sensitive.
  
• Respond professionally and effectively to enquiries from service users, members of the public and other stakeholders.
  
• Contribute to projects and service improvements that support the continued development and effectiveness of the Planning Service.
  
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Council to achieve service and corporate objectives.
  
• Maintain a customer-focused approach and contribute to a positive and professional image of the Planning Service.
  
• Meet agreed performance and personal development objectives and undertake all mandatory and role-specific training.
  
• Promote and support the Council’s responsibilities regarding safeguarding and the protection of vulnerable people.
  
• Attend occasional meetings outside normal office hours when required.
  

Requirements

• Relevant professional experience in development management and the assessment of planning applications.
  
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, national planning policy, local planning policy and development management procedures.
  
• Experience of assessing and managing complex and/or major planning applications.
  
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate and well-reasoned planning reports and recommendations.
  
• Ability to present planning matters confidently to Planning Committees and other stakeholders.
  
• Experience of working effectively with applicants, agents, statutory consultees, elected Members, members of the public and other professional stakeholders.
  
• Strong analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills, with the ability to deal effectively with complex planning issues.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload and meet statutory and service deadlines.
  
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.
  
• Customer-focused approach with the ability to manage challenging or sensitive situations professionally.
  
• Commitment to continuous professional development, teamwork and service improvement.
  
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and occasional work outside normal office hours.
  
• Ability to travel to sites and meetings as required, with access to a suitable vehicle for business use.
  

Additional Information