Principal Planning Officer (Policy)

Job Description

Job Category : Planning
Location :Barnet Council
Hours Per Week :36.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time :09:00
End Time :17:30
Salary: £28.58

. Key accountabilities:

• To contribute towards the implementation of a working culture that is result-orientated, customer-focused and an ethos of ‘right first time’ service delivery.
• To undertake all duties with minimal supervision.
• To take a lead in providing high quality planning services to applicants, residents, and stakeholders, meeting evolving delivery priorities, issues and challenges.
• To lead on all types of Strategic and Spatial Planning tasks as necessary including working across Council directorates in producing a range of planning projects and documents including the Local Plan, Design Codes, site specific supplementary guidance, thematic strategies, and monitoring local plan delivery.
• To lead on supporting quality decision making on complex major development from pre-application, application and appeal advice, including public examination / inquiries.
• To act as dataset custodian and be a nominated person with subject matter expertise to act as the guardians of data quality within the Service.
• To prepare and present written or oral reports and briefings to Members, Cabinet, Planning Committees, Members’ Forum and other bodies, and to attend and lead meetings with Members as necessary, and to support the preparation and management of agendas and meetings as required by the Senior Management Team.
• To make high quality planning assessments drawn from a spatial policy basis having regard to the Local Plan, London Plan and the NPPF.
• To liaise with a wide range of public and private bodies including the Greater London Authority to provide the planning input to projects securing the redevelopment or improvement of land in the Borough.
• To act as mentor, role model and provide support to more junior planning officers and other staff within the wider service.
• Any other duties commensurate to the role and grade.
• Assist in training and mentoring junior members of the team.
• Identify and maximise opportunities to increase revenue.
• Represent the Council at public meetings and London wide events including but not limited to committee, hearings, inquiries, and Court.
• Any other duties commensurate to the role and grade
Professional Membership/Qualification
Degree in Planning or Planning related subject
Member of the RTPI
Experience & Knowledge
Exceptional knowledge of the Town Planning System
Demonstrable knowledge of dealing with complex major planning projects to deliver successful outcomes
Knowledge of supporting the preparation and adoption of planning policy documents and understanding of the statutory processes involved
Competent and confident to lead negotiations with stakeholders and communicate clear advice on proposals
A thorough understanding of planning issues and trends within London and national context
Knowledge of the provision of administrative processes relating to planning applications
In depth knowledge of the legislative requirements associated with planning and awareness of planning reforms

Responsible for complex and varied strategic planning projects in the Policy team. Provide support and mentoring for junior staff across the service and be involved in project work across the wider Council.
Lead on the project to support that Council’s vision and to contribute to the delivery of an efficient and effective Development Management and Strategic Planning service, including engagement with communities, developers and other key external statutory and non-statutory stakeholders in the delivery of quality place-shaping, sustainable growth, including robust planning decision-making.
Barnet’s new Local Plan is under independent Examination in Public and projected for adoption in early 2024. Our attention turns to local plan delivery and responding to key challenges anticipated through planning reforms and the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, including also delivering on a broader environmental remit and design agenda,
The role is hybrid, attendance at the office is required for fixed days each week. There may be times when it is expected for the post holder to travel outside of the Borough to deliver services on behalf of Barnet