Planning Officer

Job Description

Job Title : Planning Officer
Job Category : Planning / Policy
Location : Hackney Service Centre, Hackney Council
Hours Per Week : 36.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:00
Salary: £18.61
Purpose of the job

The Planning Officer will be responsible for the processing of Development Management matters within an area based or function based team including responsibility for the handling of pre-application advice, planning applications, conditions, appeals and, when required, enforcement including negotiations with developers and other interested parties, securing financial and other community benefits through legal agreements.

The Planning Officer will ensure, in conjunction with colleagues, that statutory and legal obligations are delivered and communicated in a customer-focussed manner, optimising available resources.

The Planning Officer will be accountable to the Team Leader Development Management & Enforcement or the Major Applications Team Leader for achieving agreed Service outcomes and personal appraisal targets which uphold the Council’s Core Values and meet the challenges of best practice.

To provide advice and support to junior colleagues within the service as required (PO1)

To represent the Council at appropriate Public Inquiries and Informal hearings (P01)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Communication

Ability to write reports and a wide range of correspondence relating to Development Management and other planning issues.

Ability to communicate effectively with service users e.g. negotiations, presenting evidence or advice in a public forum within Hackney’s diverse community.

Managing Projects and Resources

Ability to handle an extensive workload, including ability to act on own initiative, prioritise and meet strict deadlines.

Ability to use new technology to assist in improving service delivery and personal performance.

Managing Services and Delivery

Ability to contribute effectively to team working.

Knowledge

Ability to promote and implement equal opportunities in accordance with Council guidelines.

Ability to understand plans and drawings and other relevant technical information related to planning applications and projects.

Ability to operate IT systems and equipment.

A good understanding of planning legislation.

Knowledge of planning issues as they affect the inner city.

Knowledge of Best Practice.

Work Related Experience

Understanding of or experience of providing services to customers and being accountable for these services.

Understanding of or experience of development management work within an urban environment.

Qualifications

A relevant qualification in Town Planning or equivalent which supports membership of the RTPI or a graduate qualification in a related discipline.

Able and willing to attend meetings or undertake work outside normal working hours e.g. evening meetings.