Planning Officer

BCP is seeking curious, creative and ambitious individuals to be a part of their journey in planning for the future growth and prosperity of the region. We are looking to welcome candidates with the desire to make an impact and feel confident sharing their ideas. The Councils team ethos is one which encourages collaboration and thoughtful contribution towards how the Council delivers their planning service, to best serve the interests of the community and region.

Within your role as a Planning Officer, your accountabilities will include:

• Appraise and make recommendations on a range of planning applications against the Local Plan(s), regulations, and legislative frameworks, to ensure that applications are compliant with requirements and BCP Council’s needs.
• Conduct public consultations in line with Council policies to ensure that all parties affected by potential development can provide comment and appropriate input. 
• Respond to enquiries from the public, Councillors, prospective developers and all other customers to deliver timely and constructive advice and information.
• Provide planning related advice and guidance to enable all customers and interested parties to submit development applications that will be aligned to the Local Plan(s) and requirements and therefore will be approvable. 
• Prepare reports and draft appeal statements to defend the Council’s decisions. 
• Undertake occasional presentations to the Planning Committee to enable effective decision-making by the Committee. 

What you'll need to succeed

• Degree in Town Planning or related degree and/ or experience and ability to demonstrate transferable skills Member or eligible to be a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or ability to demonstrate ability to work towards membership. Experience of working in a Local Authority planning department and dealing with planning applications is desirable but not essential. Knowledge of planning legislation such as Town and Country Planning Act, and governmental planning framework is desirable. Understanding of the development management process is desirable. Ability to provide professional advice and guidance, and to present information to a range of stakeholders in a clear manner. Ability to manage a case load of planning applications and appeals.

What you'll get in return

Flexible, tailored and accommodating hybrid working arrangements to suit a wide variety of applicants Financial assistance towards a recognised RTPI qualification Access to newly modern, newly refurbished office hub location in the heart of Bournemouth town centre Excellent pension scheme Cycle to work scheme Family support services Wellbeing, Employee support and Counselling services Supportive and collaborative working environment in which to develop your career