Principal Planning Policy Officer

South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse have exclusivity partnered up with Carrington West to find a dynamic and enthusiastic town planner who has experience in local plan-making and corporate working. The immediate focus will be to prepare for the review of the South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse's Local Plan and supporting neighbourhood plan groups to prepare the numerous Neighbourhood Development Plans we have in preparation.

Main duties and responsibilities

·         Oversee, project manage and assist in the production of documents making up the local plan

·         Carry out research into a variety of topics as part of the work on the preparation of the local plan and other policy documents

·         Write briefs, employ consultants and manage contracts for specialist work and projects, including overseeing finance

·       Attend project meetings with internal and external stakeholders (including evening meetings when requested)  

·         Prepare draft sections of the local plan and supplementary planning documents and papers and reports on them and other planning policy issues, including consultation documents for officers and Members

·         Carry out consultations on the local plan and other planning policy documents including attendance at exhibitions and meetings

·         Prepare and present evidence supporting the Council’s case at the Examination

·         Provide professional advice and training on planning policy and development matters to the public, Members and other professionals

·         Supervise the work of planning or technical officers

·         Lead in other aspects of the team’s work including input into joint working with other districts in relation to the duty to co-operate, liaison with developers of strategic sites and statutory consultees

·         Deputise for the Planning Policy Team Leader as required.

Your essential skills, knowledge and experience

·           significant experience of working in a planning office including experience of planning policy work

·           excellent IT experience in Windows environment and good keyboard skills

·           experience of working within a customer focused environment dealing with the public

·           excellent, accurate written communication skills

·           excellent oral skills and experience in giving clear, succinct and well argued presentations - formally and informally

·           confident working with maps and plans

·           ability to interpret policies and law

·           an excellent knowledge of Planning Legislation

·           an excellent knowledge of Planning Policy

·           ability and willingness to take individual responsibility for work and set priorities to meet agreed standards

·         ability to work as a team member and contribute to the team

·         ability to work corporately

·         diplomatic, tactful and able to maintain discretion in difficult circumstances

·         able to project manage work and other team members input into it

Your essential qualifications

·         A degree or post graduate degree in Town Planning, a related discipline or equivalent level of experience

·         Corporate RTPI membership

Benefits of working for the council

·         24 days annual leave per anum, rising to 29 after five years. Plus all the bank holidays and time off between Christmas and New Year.

·         Flexible working and annualised hours - plus home working available

·         Salary pay awards

·         Generous pension, including life insurance

·         Free parking onsite

·         Cycle scheme

·         Salary sacrifice car lease scheme

·         Reduced gym membership, free swims, workplace exercise classes, medical schemes, well being appointments, free eye test

·         2 days per year volunteer within the local community

 With a great salary on offer between £44,543 - £48,953 (Grade 8)

If you would like further information on this great opportunity please contact Kevin O'Shea at Carrington West on 02393876034 or kevin.oshea@carringtonwest.com

Closing dates for applications Friday 20th September. Apply now not to miss out!