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Principal Planning Liaison Officer X3

Employer
Somerset Council
Location
Taunton, Somerset
Salary
£33,799 to £37,849 per annum
Closing date
14 Jun 2020

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Job Details

About us

We have a number of fantastic opportunities in Somerset at various levels within our Highways Development Management service. We are looking for dynamic and enthusiastic people to join our team! We have roles that are both part time and full time, offering a flexible working environment.

Our busy team provides highway advice on a variety of planning applications across the county, working with developers to find solutions which unlock new housing and economic development and negotiating legal agreements which secure improvements to our highway and transport networks. We are passionate and committed to transforming our communities by enabling high quality development which is safe and accessible; working to create desirable places for people to live and work as part of Somerset’s ambitious growth plans. From small development sites though to major enterprise zones and extensions to our main towns including Taunton’s new garden communities. Somerset provides fantastic opportunities to become engaged in some of the most ambitious growth projects in the Country whether you are early in your career and seeking to develop your experience, or whether you are an experienced professional.

About the job

You would have your own caseload of development proposals across the County, providing advice about the highways and transport implications to planning authorities, developers, agents, consultants and elected politicians. You would either be a lead officer providing support and guidance to junior members of the team. The range of development proposals that you will consider is diverse, including housing sites throughout Somerset’s many towns and villages, new business parks and employment sites, new schools, supermarkets, retail areas and major regeneration zones.  The range of opportunities is both challenging and rewarding. Somerset provides the opportunity to get involved in some of the UK’s most high-profile growth initiatives including, new garden communities, housing infrastructure fund, enterprise zones, and national infrastructure projects such as Hinkley Point C.

Day to day activity will involve:

  • Providing pre-application advice to developers when plans are at an early stage
  • Visiting sites to gain a clear understanding of the implications of new development and possible solutions
  • Agreeing the scope of technical assessments that developers need to undertake to assess the impacts of new development
  • Agreeing any changes to highways and transport networks needed to accommodate new development
  • Providing formal observations on planning applications
  • Providing evidence for planning appeals and planning examinations/ inquiries. More experienced staff will represent the Council at examinations and inquiries
  • Forming legal agreements with developer which secure planning obligations and financial contributions necessary to enable development to take place
  • Communicating with communities and individuals affected by proposals
  • Engaging and building relationships with a range of parties including planning authorities, applicants, developers, agents, consultants and legal advisors.

The Principal Planning Liaison Officer role will have a caseload of more complex planning applications and will represent the Council within the various planning processes.

About you

Educated to degree level or equivalent through relevant professional development.

The Principal Planning Liaison Officer role will require experience of working in the planning system preferably with experience in dealing with highways and transportation matters.

Ability to understand maps and plans and assimilate information from technical reports.

Ability to read and understand policies, procedures and technical guidance (for instance on highway access and layout).

Ability to assess the implications of proposals and work with people to develop appropriate solutions (for example to ensure that access arrangements are safe and appropriate).

Ability to prepare observations and communicate them clearly and unambiguously in writing and verbally to a range of audiences.

Ability to manage multiple cases concurrently work according to set deadlines for providing observations and comments.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do. We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. We have a fantastic benefits package which includes; generous annual leave entitlement (with the opportunity to purchase more), relocation support, staff benefits scheme with great discounts, a local government pension scheme and much more.

We are able to offer flexible working arrangements, including some working from home and part time hours.

If you would like to find out more about before applying, please get in touch with Mike O’Dowd Jones on 07977 412097 or email modowdjones@somerset.gov.uk.

Please note we aim for all recruitment activity to continue as expected, however due to COVID-19 all interviews will be taking place virtually, for example over Skype.

Apply online at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/our-vacancies/job-details/?jobId=1508

Company

The Council’s duties and services

The Council’s duties and services are managed by the elected councillors (known within the Council as ‘members’) through its democratic structure.

In accordance with government legislation, the Unitary Council has:

  • Appointed a Leader of Council, who has formed a single party Executive of ten members (together they take key decisions and are responsible for the day-to-day running of the Council)
  • Five cross party Scrutiny Committees:
    • Scrutiny for Climate and Place
    • Scrutiny for Children and Families
    • Scrutiny for Adults and Health
    • Scrutiny for Communities
    • Scrutiny for Corporate and Resources
  • A Licensing and Regulatory Committee responsible for the Council’s licensing functions
  • A Strategic Planning Committee, along with 4 Area Planning Committees responsible for the Council’s planning and regulatory functions
  • A Health and Wellbeing Board involving representatives from several partners

The Unitary Council of 110 elected members is responsible for deciding the democratic arrangements for the Council, agreeing our policy framework and each year’s budget.

Company info
Website
Telephone
0300 123 2224
Location
County Hall
Somerset
United Kingdom

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