Planning Officer (Development Management) – 3 Month Contract

Location: Civic Centre, Walsall
Rate: £35.00 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 3 Month Contract
Hours: Full Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid Working – 2 Days Per Week in the Office (Including Tuesdays) / 3 Days Remote
Requirement: Full UK Driving Licence and Access to Own Vehicle
Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

Walsall Council is in search of a seasoned Planning Officer specializing in Development Management to enhance its Development Management team. The role involves managing a diverse portfolio of new and reassigned householder applications, minor planning applications, pre-application inquiries, and related appeals. The ideal candidate will be adept at independently handling applications from validation to determination, ensuring exceptional customer service and adherence to statutory deadlines. Candidates who can commence work promptly will be prioritized.

Responsibilities

Development Management

• Oversee a diverse range of applications, including:
  • Householder Applications
    
  • Minor Planning Applications
    
  • Pre-Application Enquiries
    
  • Related Appeals
    
• Draft reports and recommendations for delegated decisions and Planning Committee determinations.
  
• Conduct necessary consultations and statutory publicity.
  
• Perform site visits and evaluations.
  
• Engage with applicants, agents, and stakeholders to facilitate favorable planning outcomes.
  
• Monitor developments for compliance with planning permissions and conditions.
  
• Maintain precise planning records and case files.
  

Planning Appeals

• Manage appeals related to planning applications and enforcement issues.
  
• Prepare appeal statements and supporting documents.
  
• Coordinate with the Planning Inspectorate and relevant parties.
  
• Present evidence as needed.
  

Enforcement

• Investigate reported breaches of planning control.
  
• Evaluate enforcement cases and suggest appropriate actions.
  
• Draft and issue enforcement notices when necessary.
  
• Conduct interviews under caution (PACE) as required.
  
• Monitor compliance and assist in enforcement proceedings.
  

Committee & Stakeholder Engagement

• Attend Planning Committee meetings as needed.
  
• Present planning applications and recommendations.
  
• Represent the Council at meetings, appeals, hearings, public inquiries, and court proceedings as appropriate.
  
• Address customer inquiries and complaints with professionalism and efficiency.
  
• Collaborate with colleagues across Planning and Building Control.
  

Requirements

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in Development Management Planning.
  
• Proficiency in managing householder and minor planning applications.
  
• Experience in providing pre-application advice.
  
• Competence in handling planning appeals.
  
• Strong understanding of:
  • Town and Country Planning Act
    
  • Planning Policy
    
  • Development Management Procedures
    
  • Planning Appeals Process
    
• Ability to draft clear, accurate, and professional reports.
  
• Experience conducting planning site visits.
  
• Skill in interpreting planning drawings and development layouts.
  
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
  
• Strong customer service orientation.
  
• Capability to manage a busy caseload and meet statutory deadlines.
  
• Proficient IT skills.
  

Qualifications

• Degree in Planning or a related field
  

OR

• Equivalent experience in Development Management, Planning Enforcement, or related planning roles.
  

Essential Additional Requirements

• Full UK Driving Licence
  
• Access to Own Vehicle
  
• Availability to work at the Walsall Civic Centre 2 days per week, including Tuesdays.
  
• Proficiency in communicating effectively in spoken English.
  
• Dedication to equality, diversity, confidentiality, and customer service excellence.
  

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in Local Authority Development Management.
  
• Participation in Planning Committees.
  
• Experience in preparing evidence for inquiries or hearings.
  
• MRTPI Membership or progress towards membership.
  

What's on Offer?

• £35.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 3 Month Contract
  
• Hybrid Working – 2 Days Office Based (Including Tuesdays) / 3 Days Remote
  
• Location: Walsall Civic Centre
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to join a supportive and experienced Development Management team.
  
• Varied caseload of planning applications, pre-applications, and appeals.
  
• Priority given to candidates available at short notice.
  

Ideal for individuals with experience as a Planning Officer, Development Management Officer, Town Planner, Development Control Officer, Senior Planning Officer, Planning Consultant, or Development Management Planner.