HEAD OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

£66,250 – £74,969 PER ANNUM

PLUS, CAR ALLOWANCE (£8,043) AND A RELOCATION PACKAGE

• Exciting opportunity to lead the Planning service in one of the UK’s most high-profile areas
• Deliver projects ranging from new housing, to town centre regeneration, and investment in leisure & tourism

Dover is a high-profile District, with an ambitious economic growth agenda looking to build on the strength of the local economy, create new local jobs, and deliver housing growth. This historic part of the Kent coastline has the capacity to attract business and leisure alike. The beautiful coastal towns of Dover, Deal and Sandwich are seeing visitor numbers grow and increasing interest from those seeking to relocate to benefit from the higher quality of life and improved facilities enjoyed by the District’s residents.

This is an exciting time to be considering a career with Dover District Council.  We may be a relatively small local authority, but because of our national and international profile we have influence and punch well above our weight! As the closest part of the UK to mainland Europe, Dover is a global brand.  No matter where you go in the world, everyone knows where Dover is.  The White Cliffs, Dover Castle and the Port of Dover are iconic symbols of our status as the Gateway to Europe and Britain’s frontline town.  Along with the coastal towns of Deal and Sandwich – and the rural hinterland – the Dover district has much to offer as a place to live, work and play. You’ll also find outstanding schools, including three state grammar schools, and two independent boarding schools.

As well as a great past reflected in its rich heritage, Dover has an exciting future. We are a forward thinking and outward looking authority with the desire to accelerate growth and economic development through new business investment, housing, and new infrastructure.

In taking on the role as the leader of Dover’s planning service, you will inherit a team which, over recent years, has developed a can-do attitude, open to and encouraging development and investment. You will have the chance to shape the form the future development of the District takes as the coming months will see the start of the Reg 19 consultation process on our new Local Development Plan. This will be a challenging but highly rewarding role and one which will suit an ambitious Town Planner wanting to make their mark in one of the most high-profile locations in the UK.

PROJECTS

Take a look at this link to learn more about our ambition: https://www.investindover.co.uk                 

WELL-CONNECTED?

Dover has fast rail connections to London St Pancras International (65 mins), stopping at Folkestone (10 mins), Ashford (26 mins), Ebbsfleet (45 mins). Road connections to the rest of Kent and East Sussex make Dover a great place to commute into. There are also direct ferries to continental Europe every hour.

THE PERSON

The postholder will need to foster a culture of positive planning decisions, both through the adoption of the Local Development Plan but also across Development Management, Conservation and Urban Design.

With the position being available due to the retirement of the current postholder, there is an opportunity for a leader to bring new ideas and drive development in a Council where there is full support for growth from the Chief Executive and the Elected Members.

You will have three managers reporting directly to you and you will have overall responsibility for 35 staff and a £2m budget. Candidates should have demonstrable experience in a managerial position within the public sector and should have a positive, proactive attitude which will help build relationships with colleagues, members of the public and with external stakeholders.

You will be a full Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or equivalent and have excellent references. You will be a leader of people with fantastic communication and negotiation skills. In return for your hard work, you will receive a market leading salary, a generous relocation package (if required) and excellent fringe benefits.

Closing date for applications is: midnight 16th December 2021 

You are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time, once we have received sufficient applications.  We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place in early January 2022.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Roger Walton, DDC Strategic Director (Operations and Commercial) Roger.Walton@Dover.GOV.UK or by calling 07966 523867.