Senior Planning Officer

Senior Planning Officer (Development Management)

Location: Brecon

Salary: Grade 10 £38,626 - £41,511 per annum

Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week

The Role

• To deal with all aspects of Planning development management casework in the National Park and on the fringes of the National Park
• To assist the Principal Planning Officers in managing the Planning Development Management function in order to deliver a quality planning service, to achieve and maintain high levels of performance.
• To help to ensure that the Authority’s statutory responsibilities are carried out in accordance with Government legislation, policy, procedure and guidance and accord with National Park statutory purposes.
• To help to ensure that the Planning service is efficient, effective, responsive, fair, inclusive and open to examination.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake the processing of Development Control casework, including but not limited to complex and major planning and related applications, advertisement consents, conservation area consent. listed building consent applications and planning enforcement matters.
• Carry out site inspections, supervision and instructions in respect of consultations, preparation of reports and recommendations. Presentation of nondelegated applications and other development control related matters to Planning Committee.
• Peer review delegated decision reports and planning contravention notices on behalf of the Principal Planning Officers and the Head of Development Management in line with the Scheme of Delegation.
• To undertake when appropriate, EIA screening and provide EIA screening and scoping opinions formally on behalf of the Authority.
• Negotiating with agents, developers, internal consultees and statutory bodies in respect of all planning related work, including development plan preparation, planning applications, pre-application enquiries, the negotiation of Section 106 Agreements and providing design and sustainable development advice.
• Dealing with preliminary and formal pre-application enquiries in respect of developments within the National Park and major developments on the fringes of the National Park.
• To undertake all types of planning Appeals and Examinations in Public, including the production of statements and proof of evidence and appear as an expert witness on behalf of the National Park Authority and to support the planning team members through appeal hearings, examinations, and inquiries.
• To train and mentor planning officers and technicians. Undertake their performance management reviews and assist in their continuing professional development as appropriate.
• To respond to formal complaints about the Planning Service on behalf of the Authority in line with the Authority’s procedures and Ombudsman inquiries under the direction of the Head of Development Management.
• To provide development management advice to other departments of the Authority.
• To respond to enquiries from members of the public and stakeholders on development management matters.
• To occasionally attend appropriate Community Council and other organisational meetings, sometimes outside normal office hours to discuss development management matters.
• Any other duty, appropriate to the grade and nature of the post, as required by the Head of Development Management.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Criteria:

• A recognized qualification, degree or equivalent in Town and Country Planning or a related discipline
• A minimum of 5 years relevant experience in Development Management in the public or private sector
• Good knowledge of planning policy, related legislation and procedures
• Ability to work on own initiative & organise workload effectively
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good communication, interpersonal and report writing skills including proof reading
• Ability to organise meetings with appropriate follow-up work
• Ability to research, interpret and analyse a variety of complex data
• An ability to work as part of a team and to mentor and support colleagues as a point of reference on planning related issues
• The ability to mentor and train junior members of staff
• A good telephone manner and ability to deal diplomatically with the public, National Park Members and staff
• Current driving licence
• Welsh Level 0

Desirable Criteria:

• Membership of the RTPI
• Knowledge of the Brecon Beacons National Park and its statutory
• Familiarity with Sustainability Appraisals

Please note: If you do not meet the Welsh language Requirements specified, then the Authority offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these requirements during your employment with them.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable organisation, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

Closing Date: 28th April 2025

Interview Date: 12th May2025