Planning Policy & Place Officer - Career Graded

Salary:  Entry Level: £35,745- £40,221 , Higher Level:£40,221 - £44,428

Contract: Permanent, Part-time, and Full-time contracts available

Location: Hybrid - You can work from home and from one of our office bases in Selby, Richmond, Scarborough, Malton, Northallerton, Skipton and Harrogate, whilst you cover an allocated part of the region.

 

Our team…

 

The Council’s Planning Services play a fundamental role in managing the natural and built environment, ensuring that the future development needs of the area can be accommodated to make it a better place in which to live and work. 

 

The Planning Policy & Place workstream is responsible for shaping future development and conservation of North Yorkshire through the preparation of Development Plan Documents (DPDs), Neighbourhood Plans, Joint plans/strategies (e.g. the Minerals and Waste Joint Plan), supplementary plans and guidance.  

 

Role summary…

The post will be pivotal in supporting the delivery of strategically important and complex projects across the North Yorkshire geography relating to major areas of policy work, including (but not limited to): 

 

o   The Local Plan for North Yorkshire

o   The Minerals and Waste Joint Plan 

o   Neighbourhood Plans 

o   Other Development Plan Documents, Supplementary Planning Documents, Joint plans, Masterplans, Supplementary Plans, and policy guidance

 

You will work with others to ensure that plans and documents are positively prepared, reviewed, delivered, and managed in line with statutory requirements.  

 

Duties and responsibilities…

All Levels

·       The postholder will assist in driving forward the development and coordination of work on strategically important and complex projects across the North Yorkshire geography relating to major areas of policy work.

·       Contribute towards preparing influencing, monitoring, and implementing national, regional, and sub-regional policy in relation to land-use planning, infrastructure planning, and sustainable development. 

·       Take a locally distinctive approach to the preparation of plans. 

·       Prepare and maintain a robust evidence base to support planning policies. 

·       Exercise professional judgement and assist in developing and making recommendations in respect of planning policy.

·       Work with other relevant workstreams across the council such as transport, health, social care, environmental services, climate change, housing, education, and economic development to ensure alignment of ambitions, priorities and evidence base. 

·       Assist in working effectively with Members throughout all stages of plan preparation.

·       Deliver effective consultation and engagement through a variety of methods with communities and key stakeholders. 

·       Provide responses to relevant national and regional consultations to ensure that the interests of the Council are represented. 

·       Assist in commissioning external, specialist advice and capacity where necessary.

·       Undertake site assessments/inspections. 

·       Contribute to shaping improvement and delivery of the planning policy function.   

·       Assist in the project management of consultants.

·       Prepare and present clear and concise reports to a range of audiences/customers.

·       Promote and provide excellent customer care that meets or exceed the expectations of stakeholders, Members, customers, and the community, including advice to Members of the Council and the general public on planning and related matters.

·       Keep up to date with planning regulations, policy, and legislation.

 

Higher Level

·       Successful development and implementation of a range of complex projects running concurrently.

·       Work with Town and Parish Councils (or other relevant groups) to assist and advise on the preparation of Neighbourhood Plans.

·       Prepare and deliver written and oral evidence as an ‘expert witness’ on behalf of the Council at public examinations, hearings, committees and written appeals.

·       Prepare reports for and attend the Development Plan Committee and Executive Member for Planning briefings and Cabinet briefings.

·     Undertake detailed site assessments and make recommendations on proposed site suitability.

·     Take a prominent and proactive role in public consultation events.

·       Provide support and guidance to less experienced staff.

·       Assist with the submission of funding bids to support service priorities.

·     Work to ensure that own work priorities are consistently achieved, with minimal supervision, and that key Performance Indicators and Planning Service targets are met regarding customer and service improvements.

·       Assist in briefing relevant Cabinet Members and Ward Members, to ensure proactive and effective communication and decision-making.  

·     Represent Planning Services at public meetings, working groups and/or other meetings, and events on matters relating to strategic planning/planning policy to ensure that the Councils priorities are well communicated and understood.

 

Experience / Qualifications:

 

All levels

 

  • Educated to A level or equivalent.
  • Sound knowledge of current planning legislation, policy, and guidance.
  • Knowledge and ability to successfully support and participate in plan making, such as policy development, engagement and public consultation, Examination, and implementation. 
  • The ability to monitor performance proactively and effectively and positively assist in driving and implementing organisational and culture change.
  • Understanding of political processes and structures.
  • Understanding of both the residential and commercial property market and the importance of key links with other service areas such as economic development and transport 
  • Commitment to personal development

 

Higher Level

  • Degree and/or Post-graduate Diploma in Town and Country Planning or other relevant subject recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) 
  • Eligible for full Membership of RTPI
  • Experience of successfully supporting and participating in plan making (policy development, engagement and public consultation, Examination, and implementation). 
  • Demonstrable knowledge and experience of current planning legislation, policy and guidance and the ability to interpret legislation and policy and apply in practical situations.
  • Understanding and experience of working with political processes and structures.
  • Evidence of continuing professional development

 Contact and Apply…

For more information/informal discussion please contact Steve.Wilson1@northyorks.gov.uk (Planning Policy  Place Manager) , Matthew.Lickes@northyorks.gov.uk (Planning Policy  Place Manager)

Applying is easy, simply click on apply now, register your details, remove your personal details from your CV and upload by midnight on Wednesday 21st August 2024.

 

Key Dates:

Closing Date: 21st August 2024

Shortlisting: 22nd/23rd August 2024

Interviews: 2nd September 2024

Key Documents:

Job Description.docx

Planning service career opportunities | North Yorkshire Council

Planning Policy & Place Officer - Career Graded
Location: County Hall Campus
Salary: £35,745 - £44,428