Job description

Job Description

1. Job Details

2. Role Summary

2.1 To handle some of the more complex and/or sensitive and/or larger planning applications, appeals and associated tasks facing the NPA and to supervise the work of any less experienced staff assisting this post.

2.2 To make and agree recommendations for delegated development management decisions, on behalf of the Head of Planning and Place.

2.3 To deputise for the Principal Planning Officer when required.

3. Main Duties and Responsibilities

3.1 To deal with the more complex and sensitive cases.

3.2 To present reports to Committee, brief the NPA Members, give evidence at Public Inquiries and represent the NPA at public/private meetings when required.

3.3 To work effectively with consultants and other local authority staff contracted to supply the NPA with specialist expertise.

3.4 To make an active contribution to the management and development of the DM team, the Directorate and the NPA as a whole.

3.5 To help the DM team to operate in an efficient, effective and customer-friendly way that meets all relevant government, professional and other performance standards.

4. Problem solving

4.1 The postholder will be required to deputise for the Principal Planning Officer on occasions, so will require an understanding of corporate objectives and decision-making processes.

4.2 Original thinking with be required to deal with new or unusual planning applications, and to apply new concepts and ideas within the field of development management.

4.3 Commitment to the highest standards of customer care, and to the achievement of professional, timescale and financial targets. This will often require an appropriate prioritisation of work and the need to handle a large workload in an effective manner.

4.4 Adoption of new approaches to service delivery, including innovations to achieve better results.

4.5 Assist in resolving technical and specialist problems, as well as troubleshooting, to ensure the planning and support systems work effectively and meet required standards.

4.6 Collecting, managing and assessing large volumes of information involved in some major planning cases in order to evaluate different options, reach a conclusion, support a recommendation, and to defend the decision later if necessary.

5. Decision making

5.1 Involved in decisions on planning applications and about the most effective way to manage the busy DM team. This will involve reconciling competing interests in accordance with the NPA’s aim to develop continuously to achieve excellence.

5.2 Many decisions will affect the NPA and its work, so careful consideration of these impacts, beyond the realm of the DM team, is required. This will involve consideration of the most appropriate ways of communicating with the NPA Members, colleagues, applicants/agents, public and press. Guidance can be sought from the line manager or director as appropriate.

5.3 The post may involve monitoring the achievement of targets for the DM team, possibly for individual staff members. These targets must be met on time; as set out in the service plan.

6. Operational responsibility

6.1 Responsibility for the delivery of assigned aspects of the development management service within the quality standards, timescales and budget set out in the service plan, or as instructed by the Principal Planning Officer.

6.2 Responsibility for the management of any assigned service improvement projects. The projects may include training so that the staff are fully equipped to handle the required service improvements.

6.3 Deputising for the Principal Planning Officer on occasions.

6.4 Involvement in complex planning applications and associated tasks may involve teamwork with NPA colleagues, consultants and outside organisations. The post holder must work with other team members to help the team meet the programme and achieve required outputs.

6.5 Supervision of DM staff and working with consultants in the circumstances set out in section three of this job description.

7. Communication

7.1 Oral/presentation skills: both to represent the NPA effectively and to deal with customers/key stakeholders who may not be entirely familiar with the planning process.

7.2 Written skills: using plain English in reports and correspondence to set out a clear, concise and logical approach. This approach is needed particularly to assist decision-makers reach appropriate conclusions when dealing with finely balanced or complex issues.

7.3 Negotiation skills: with applicants/agents, objectors, NPA members, other agencies, and other staff (within and outside the DM team) are vital to achieve the most beneficial outcomes.

7.4 Personal and other contacts: with a wide range of staff (within and outside the DM team) and a diverse range of customers including NPA members, town and parish councils, local businesses, local community groups, professional representatives, the media and general public.

7.5 Internal 50% External 50%

8. Working Conditions:

8.1 Work is from an office base with some home working but required to undertake frequent site visits within the boundary of the National Park. Risks are assessed and mitigated against in accordance with NPA policies.

8.2 The position may involve contact with people with differing views to the NPA’s policies, plans and objectives.

9. General

9.1 The post holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to NPA policy and procedures.

9.2 All staff have a responsibility to participate in the NPA Appraisal Scheme and to contribute to their own development, and the development of any staff they appraise or are responsible for.

Person Specification

Senior Planning Officer

Evidence assessed by key: A = Application form
I = Interview
T = Test / assessment / presentation