Principal Planning Officer

Ref: 25229

Location: Harrow Council

Directorate: Community Services

Contract Type: Fixed Term - Maternity cover (minimum 12 months)

Working Hours: 36 hours

Closing Date: 11/04/2021

Interview Dates: TBC

Salary Range: £43,422 to £46,383 with a market factor supplement of 10% (market factor supplement is reviewed regularly)

Overview

There has never been a better or more exciting time to join Harrow Council where our vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow'. Part of the Council’s strategy to deliver this vision is to Build a Better Harrow with our ongoing  £1.75bn regeneration ambition for housing, jobs and unprecedented growth which will create the places and opportunities that all our residents deserve - a thriving, modern, inclusive, vibrant and progressive borough.

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, committed person to work as Principal Planning Officer on a Fixed Term contract for a minimum of 12 months (maternity cover) to make a positive contribution to the Development Management Service in Harrow. The post holder will report to the Area Team Leader and work closely with colleagues within the Planning Service as well as across the Council and external stakeholders. You will be required to work on a diverse portfolio of casework and have line management responsibilities for junior staff as well as supporting the Team Leader in delivering an excellent planning service.

If you take pride in your work, want to make a positive difference and would enjoy becoming part of our Planning Development Management Team then we can’t wait to hear from you. In return, we offer great support and training to get you settled into your role, fantastic benefits and we encourage flexible and smart working, with brand new IT facilities to be rolled out in the very near future.    

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London Borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

About you

The successful applicant will have:

• A Planning Degree or equivalent qualification / experience accredited by the RTPI or equivalent body.
• Knowledge of current Development Management practice, procedures and legislation.
• The ability to demonstrate initiative in organising workload and establishing priorities for action and to carry out the necessary work to the required quality within given deadlines in the context of a busy working environment.
• The ability to obtain, record and process information in a manner which is technically, factually and grammatically accurate
• The ability to prepare accurate and detailed reports on planning applications, and statements and proofs of evidence on planning appeals.
• The ability to examine and assess information on planning applications and appeals and other planning matters, and to present a balanced analysis of competing issues.
• The ability to negotiate with applicants and developers in order to achieve improvements to the quality and outcome of planning applications.
• The ability to present information, verbally and in writing, on planning applications, appeals and other planning matters in a manner which clearly demonstrates a thorough, structured, logical and orderly approach.
• Substantial Development Management experience, including on major and complex planning applications, is essential.
• A willingness to respond positively to change in procedures, practice, policies, and organisation within the Development Management Service, the Group, and the Council in general.
• The ability to supervise and motivate a teams of planning officers and technical support; to include performance management of the group or project.
• The ability to work effectively in a specialist team, and a willingness to work in a manner that contributes positively to the performance of the team.
• The ability to deal professionally and courteously, and to undertake effective verbal and written communication, with elected Members. Council officers, members of the public and other interested parties
• The ability to discuss and explain complex issues.
• The ability to undertake site visits and inspect application development sites safely.
• The ability to attend evening meetings and Member Briefings.
• Knowledge of, and familiarity with a computerised planning application and appeals processing system; knowledge of word and excel.
• Knowledge of the relevant health and safety procedures, in relation to the working office environment and to site visits whether in or out of buildings

For additional information please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria

Important Note

Our staff are our greatest asset and therefore no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies.

Harrow is committed to making our recruitment practises barrier-free and as accessible as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people or people with long-term health conditions. If you would like us to do anything differently during the recruitment process, or provide any information in an alternative format please contact us 

HARROW REDEPLOYEES WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY CONSIDERATION

We particularly welcome female applicants, individuals under 25 years of age, those from the BAME community, LGBTQ+ applicants and disabled applicants, as they are under-represented within Harrow Council at this level. Appointment will always, however be made on merit.