Senior Planning Officer (Major Applications)

Senior Planning Officer (Major Applications) This is an excellent opportunity to deal with more complex applications in our busy planning service that covers the two districts. You will gain varied experience in dealing with proposals in our growth areas, markets towns, villages and most attractive countryside, which are all subject to significant development pressure. The economy of the area is thriving, with a growing entrepreneurial and business start-up sector, a highly skilled workforce and world class research and development. Senior Planning Officer Responsibilities: • Processing a range of major planning and associated applications including more complex cases and assisting with major projects • Providing professional advice face to face, on the telephone and in writing on behalf of the council in respect of planning and related issues including providing pre-application advice • Attending councillor site visits and evening meetings of the relevant council committees to present items as required • Dealing with enforcement matters related to major applications and carrying out associated duties as and when required • Preparing and presenting evidence for the councils in respect of appeals against planning decisions, including written representations appeals, hearings and public inquiry work as and when required • Checking reports and delegating a range of planning and related applications • Undertaking specific projects within the Planning Service (such as participating in continuous improvement / cohort project workstreams) • Working with the policy team to input into policy development for the districts • Supporting and mentoring junior staff and any other duties as appropriate to the grade. • The duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post or the level of responsibility and the post holder may also be required to carry out any other duties appropriate to the grading of the post. Senior Planning Officer Requirements: • A degree in a planning related discipline, or relevant qualification or equivalent level of experience • At least 3 years post qualification planning experience and experience of working in a local authority planning service • Hold a full and current driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use • Be eligible for RTPI membership • Strong IT skills including experience with Windows 10, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint • Experience of dealing with major planning applications • Experience of report and professional letter writing • Ee able to demonstrate a diplomatic approach in difficult situations and be able to give clear, accurate and helpful advice on procedures • Very good oral and written communication skills If you have the following experience or qualifications – it’s a bonus • Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute • Significant experience of working in a customer focussed environment and dealing with challenging customers South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are forward-thinking local authorities, based in one of the most attractive areas of the country. They are looking for a professional, competent and enthusiastic person who can communicate well at all levels. An excellent benefits package is on offer including annualised hours (flexible working) and a career average pension scheme. Salary: £41,555 to £46,294 per annum Job Type: Full-time, 2 year Fixed Term Contract Hours: 37 hours per week Location: Milton Park, Oxfordshire, home working (due to Covid-19) Closing date: Thursday 27 August 2020 Interview date: Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 September 2020 You may have experience or an interest in the following: Senior Planning Policy Officer, Town Planning Officer, Urban Planning Officer, Development Management Officer, Planning Officer, Planning Policy Officer, Planning Consultant, Town Planning, Urban Regeneration etc. Ref: 93756