Planning Policy Team Leader

Job Description

Job Category : Housing, Benefits & Planning
Location : Reigate and Banstead Borough Council
Hours Per Week : 36.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:00
Salary: £23.92

General description of role
To lead the Planning Policy Team and manage various work in connection with the Council’s Local
Plan.
Top ten duties / responsibilities of role
1. To lead the Planning Policy Team and manage the production, maintenance and monitoring
of the Council’s Local Development Scheme and Local Plan documents for the borough in
accordance with statutory procedures and best practice, ensuring coordination with the
corporate policy direction, the work of other services and the Council’s other plans and
programmes.
2. To commission surveys, studies or other specialist services as needed and manage such
projects effectively.
3. To provide written and verbal evidence to Local Plan examinations and public inquiries.
4. To ensure that the duty to cooperate is fulfilled, including engagement with other local
authorities on their development plans, and to promote the interests of the Council in cross
boundary strategic planning work.
5. To be responsible for the briefing of senior management, the Portfolio Holder and other
Executive and non-Executive Councillors, in relation to planning policy activities, including
the preparation and presentation of reports.
6. To advise stakeholders and the general public in relation to planning policy matters and to
deliver effective community engagement in the production of planning policy documents.
7. To provide oversight of the provision of planning policy advice on planning applications, and
responses to planning policy consultations from Government, Government agencies, and
other organisations as appropriate.
8. To lead the Planning Policy Team, supervise, develop and appraise staff, to help them
understand and undertake their roles.
9. Assist the Development Manager with the management of the Planning Policy budget and
maintenance of an up-to-date business plan for the service.
10. To be committed to continuing professional development, keeping informed of best
practice, relevant legislation and current planning issues, and to implement service changes
and improvements accordingly.

Qualifications
A degree in Town Planning or equivalent
qualification E
Membership of RTPI or eligible for membership E
Experience and achievements
Significant experience of planning policy and
development plan preparation E
Local Government experience P
Experience of giving evidence at Local Plan
examinations and/or public inquiries E
Experience of team management E
Experience of project management and managing
consultants E
Comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of
planning legislation, policy and guidance E
Good understanding of relevant software packages

Excellent written and verbal communication skills E
Ability to prioritise and programme the work of the
team to meet deadlines E
Self-motivated and proactive E
Excellent people management skills E
Ability to think and act strategically E
Commitment to continuing professional development E
Corporately required personal qualities and behaviours
Innovative E
Supportive E
Flexible E
Positive E
Special requirements
Full driving licence
Ability to work outside office hours to attend Council
meetings and other events