Head of Development Management

Position

Head of Development Management

Northumberland National Park Authority

Grade: £47,181 – £51,356 per annum pro rata

Part‑time: 3 days per week

Flexi time, Home working opportunities, Local Government pension, Wellbeing award winner

Northumberland National Park Authority is seeking an experienced and motivated planning professional to lead our Development Management Service. As Head of Development Management, you will be responsible for delivering the Authority’s statutory planning and enforcement functions as the local planning authority for one of England’s most special landscapes. You will provide strong professional leadership, ensure excellent customer service and performance, and play a key role in delivering the Authority’s Vision, Priorities and Outcomes.

Working collaboratively with partners, communities and stakeholders, you will help enable sustainable development that conserves and enhances the National Park.

You will be an accomplished planning professional with substantial experience in development management within a local planning authority. You will bring strong leadership skills, sound professional judgement and the ability to manage sensitive and complex planning issues with confidence and diplomacy.

This is a rare opportunity to shape planning outcomes in a nationally important protected landscape. You will work with passionate colleagues, engaged communities and dedicated members, contributing to the long‑term conservation and sustainable development of Northumberland National Park.

• Lead on the delivery of the Development Management Service for the National Park Authority as local planning authority for the National Park, meeting all performance targets and within a framework of continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the wider work of the Authority’s Planning Service and support the delivery of the Authority’s Vision, Priorities and Outcomes.
• In line with ‘duty to co‑operate’, lead on partnership working with Northumberland County Council and other local authorities whose emerging development plan policies and other strategic plans may have an impact upon the National Park.

• Ensure the delivery of the Authority’s statutory roles and responsibilities in relation to Development Management and Enforcement.
• Ensure that the Development Management Service provides an effective and professional service and is meeting performance indicator targets.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of reports in respect of planning and other development management applications to the National Park Authority and to sign off decisions in respect of delegated applications.
• Review procedures in relation to the delivery of development management services as necessary to ensure compliance with planning legislation, case law, regulations and policies.
• Provide leadership to Northumberland National Park Authority’s Development Management Committee and lead the provision of training to Committee Members.
• Process appeals, and appear on behalf of the Authority at hearings, planning inquiries and in court as required.
• Lead the delivery of effective monitoring of development and enforcement planning control.
• Provide an efficient and effective pre‑application advice service and other general development management advice in a manner that is consistent with legislation, planning policies and established procedures.
• Report performance statistics as required.
• Assist in the preparation of the Northumberland National Park Authority Local Plan as appropriate.
• Proactively support the promotion of equality and inclusion in all areas of work.
• Deliver development management functions with a focus on empowering communities and local businesses to deliver the Authority’s role as an enabling Authority.

• Manage and produce timely management reports on budgets and performance targets within the Development Management Service.
• Ensure an efficient and effective service is delivered within the context of best value and financial regulations.
• Use…