Role Purpose:

Planning Committee Independent Members provide support to the Corporation’s decision making on planning applications in the area.   

The Planning Committee Independent Members should have the competencies needed to operate effectively at Planning Committee. The Committee requires a mix of skills and experience in areas relating to decision making but this does not necessarily need to be in the field of Town Planning. Planning Committee Independent Members should understand the major strategic issues pertaining to the creation of the Garden City and the overarching objectives of the Corporation within a town planning context, balanced against the needs of local communities, businesses and other stakeholders.  

In order to maximise the skills and experience of the committee we are seeking two roles. One with a planning or development background and one with a knowledge of the local area and the issues and opportunities it offers. 

All members of the Planning Committee will be required to undertake specific training and shall be mindful of the guidance set out in the Planning Advisory Service publication ‘Probity in planning for councillors and officers’ and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government publication ‘Openness and transparency on personal interests’.  

Contract Type and Working Pattern:

This appointment will be made by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. It will be a fixed term 3-year contract which may be extended subject to performance. The time commitment is up to 2 days a month (average of 1 day per month).

The EDC Planning Committee meets at the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation’s offices at the Observatory, Castle Hill. Some meetings are held as hybrid meetings where attendance via MS Teams is upon the agreement of the Planning Committee Chair. Planning Committee members may also be required to undertake site visits within the urban development area.

Main Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

All Planning Committee members will be responsible for:  

• Developing a working knowledge of the Planning function and the matters that are the responsibility of the Planning Committee.
• Ensuring that the approach to Planning is delivered fairly and effectively; and that all matters before the Committee are approached with an open mind avoiding any predetermination or bias.
• Making planning decisions openly, impartially, with sound judgement and for justifiable reasons.
• Maintaining a disciplined approach when involved in the work of the Planning Committee having regard to high standards of procedure, behaviour and ethics.
• Actively participating as a member of the Planning Committee and to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Development Corporation’s Framework Document, Terms of Reference, Statutory requirements, regulations or other codes of conduct, practice or agreed conventions.
• Accepting responsibility for the decisions of the Planning Committee and to advocate these, as necessary, on behalf of the Committee.
• Participating in Member Training and Development associated with the Planning function.  
• Acting in accordance with the seven principles of public life. 

Person Specification

The Essential and Desirable criteria for these roles are as follows:

Essential criteria (all candidates)

• A strong track record of making effective decisions within the private, public or voluntary sectors;
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively question fellow Planning Committee members, staff and stakeholders;
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to get to understand complex issues; and
• An ability to understand and interpret planning policy, guidance and law.

Planning/Development Role additional essential criteria

• Experience of working in the field of Town and Country Planning; or Experience of development and development finance.

Community Role additional essential criteria

• Be a local resident with a strong understanding of the needs of the local area and the existing and new communities; or Experience in carrying out community engagement work.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in masterplanning or design. An ability to interpret national strategy in a local context.

How to Apply

To apply candidates MUST submit the following:

1. A covering letter that:

• Confirms which of the two roles you are applying for (Planning/Development or Community); and
• Sets out your suitability for this role; this must include how you meet/demonstrate the essential criteria for that role.
• If you are applying for both roles, please confirm and please ensure your letter covers all of the essential criteria We would suggest your covering letter is kept to a maximum of three sides

• A copy of your CV

The following forms which MHCLG (the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) require us to collect: Diversity Information Form Declarations of Interests Form

Please also complete the Guaranteed Interview Scheme Form if you consider yourself to be disabled and would like to apply for a guaranteed interview under this Scheme.

The deadline date for applications is 12 midday on Monday 2 December

Your completed application should be returned by the deadline date and time by email to James Richardson at ebbsfleetrecruitment@ebbsfleetdc.org.uk