DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

Pride in our Borough: A Borough that works for everyone  

Working in a Borough that faces a diverse range of Planning challenges, given our unique combination of rural and urban areas, we are looking for a Planner whose previous enforcement experience can really make an impact.  In Maidstone, we cherish our heritage and countryside which we are determined to enhance.  Careful management of competing pressures is the primary task and the enforcement team are vital in ensuring that public confidence is maintained in the planning system.

With specific and recent experience of Local Government Planning or Enforcement, you will be responsible for appraising and evaluating enforcement complaints and breaches of planning control; assessing them against policy and other material planning considerations to formulate recommendations and drafting enforcement notice where appropriate. You may also be asked to process planning applications, advise members of the Planning Committee in their decision making and will be responsible for composing the Council’s case and presenting evidence in court proceedings and at appeal.

You will be investigating alleged breaches of planning control, including breaches relating to trees and hedgerow regulations throughout the borough, some visits for which may be required outside of normal office hours and where appropriate you will draft enforcement notices. The successful candidate will preferably have a degree or equivalent in Town and Country Planning with eligibility for membership of the RTPI, alongside experience of dealing with complex planning enforcement issues.

You will also have excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to deal with potential difficult customers. A driving licence with use of your own car is essential. You will be a strong team player with a real desire to make further improvement happen and take initiative.  You will also have self-organisation and strong IT skills and be able to meet deadlines.  Your track record and approach in these areas are as important as your experience or qualifications.

Working in Maidstone you’ll also be less than an hour from London by train and have all that Kent can offer at your fingertips. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your skills and experience within an organisation that prides itself on supporting its staff. Your work is likely to involve both Development Management and Enforcement work and you will be given training in both disciplines.  We encourage all types of vocational and technical training & qualifications, including management and leadership programmes.  In addition to learning & development, we also offer many flexible working opportunities, including job share, flexi time, nine-day fortnight, compressed hours and home working.

This is a permanent, full time position with opportunities for extensive home working under the Council’s new hybrid working policies.

This role is customer-facing, the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is an essential element of the role.

Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and expects all employee to share this commitment.

For further information or to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please contact Tony Ryan, Team Leader (Development Management) on 01622 602358 or email tonyryan@maidstone.gov.uk

Closing Date: Monday 30th  May 2022

Interview Date: TBC

Council Benefits:  career average pension scheme, professional fee payment, flexible working (including opportunities for home working and job share), employee benefits package and generous leave entitlement.