Principal Planning Officer Job West Bromwich area,Oldbury England UK,Government

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council,

There is an exciting opportunity to join Sandwell Council in the role of a Principal Planning Officer! Your responsibilities will be:

Managing and monitoring the performance of a team of officers dealing with all aspects of Development Planning and in doing so, meet relevant performance targets.
Processing planning, Listed Buildings, Advertisements and related applications, prepare reports, make recommendations, prepare decision notices in accordance with the policies and proposals of the Development Plan and relevant Supplementary Planning Guidance.
To liaise with other agencies, organisations and stakeholders on planning issues as they affect Development Planning.
To input into the monitoring of the Development Plan.
To negotiate with applicants amendments to proposals at all stages of the development process and to secure the highest standard of Urban Design.
To assist the Development Planning Manager with delegated decisions and the supervision of planning enforcement and planning technicians as and when required.
To undertake the enforcement of planning control as appropriate.
To prepare appropriate documentation and represent the Council as a professional witness at Planning Inquiries, hearings and written representation appeals.
To negotiate Section 106 agreements to achieve maximum value from changes to the urban fabric.
To assess, interpret and implement government enactments, statutory instruments, regulations, circulars and planning policy guidance.
To prepare and co-ordinate briefings for members and officers on all planning matters as they relate to Development Planning.
To respond to consultations from other planning authorities on planning applications.
To answer complaints and general correspondence on planning matters as they relate to Development Planning.
To organise public participation/consultation on planning applications, proposals and appeals.
To provide advice to elected representatives and the general public and external organisations.
To provide advice on Development Planning matters to other sections and divisions.
To produce work programmes and allocate work within the team.
To hold regular team meetings.
To contribute to the Development Plan.
To deputise for the Development Planning Manager when required including Committee agenda preparation and attendance at Planning Committee.
To actively participate in the Council’s and Divisional Customer Care and Quality Policies Procedures.
To actively participate in the Council’s Equality policies and undertake all duties in a non-discriminatory manner.

Essential Requirements:

MRTPI or ARICS (Planning Division). Degree in Town and Country Planning. Post graduate qualification recognised by the RTPI.
Planning experience generally and considerable experience of Development Planning (at least 5 years post qualification).
Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also demonstrating the initiative and self-motivation to work independently.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate tactfully and diplomatically in challenging situations.
Ability to respond positively and sensitively when dealing with individuals who may be upset, distressed, angry or confrontational.
Proven ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
Willingness to take responsibility and make sound, informed decisions.
Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to work constructively with developers, applicants, consultees and other interested parties to achieve positive outcomes.
Ability to mediate between conflicting interests and facilitate balanced, practical solutions.
Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication…