Planning Policy officer

Job Title: Policy Planner

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 (Grade 6)

Location: East London

Contract Type: Permanent

Role Overview:
I am currently working with one of my clients in East London who are actively looking for a highly motivated and experienced Policy Planner to join their team. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality planning services, focusing on policy development, spatial planning, and infrastructure delivery. You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of planning strategies.

Key Responsibilities:
·Conduct high-quality planning assessments based on spatial policy, with regard to Local Plans, Regional Plans, and the NPPF.
·Review evidence base documents for Local Plans, and actively contribute to the writing and reviewing of policies.
·Continue developing the Borough's infrastructure delivery plan, including strategies for waste, flood prevention, utility planning, and the Duty to Cooperate process with key stakeholders.

·Commission and manage Local Plan viability work, preparing Housing Delivery Reports, and drafting planning obligations, including SPDs.
·Carry out sustainability appraisals of development sites and provide input on planning applications, focusing on biodiversity, green infrastructure, and flood risk assessments.
·Assist with waste and joint waste plans, and support planning's involvement with the CIL and S106 process.

Project Management & Stakeholder Engagement:
·Manage and oversee various development management projects or spatial planning tasks, including pre-application, application, and appeal work.
·Prepare and present reports and briefings to the Lead Member, Cabinet, Planning Committees, Members' Forum, and other bodies.
·Attend and lead meetings with Members, managing agendas and supporting the best allocation of resources across the team.
·Liaise with public and private bodies, providing planning input into projects aimed at redeveloping or improving land within the Borough.

Team Support & Leadership:
·Supervise junior staff and provide support to senior staff, ensuring optimal workload management and resource allocation.
·Offer technical advice and problem-solving in challenging, often confrontational situations, while ensuring customer needs are met with professionalism and care.
·Support the development and growth of Graduate Planners and foster a positive team culture.

Essential Experience:
·A recognised degree in Town Planning (or related degree) with sufficient post-qualification experience to qualify for membership of the RTPI or a related professional qualification.
·Comprehensive knowledge of the practical application of planning legislation and standards.
·Experience in supervising teams and developing innovative solutions for service delivery.
·Proven ability to manage complex development management projects or spatial planning tasks in high-pressure environments.
·A track record of achieving successful outcomes and demonstrating initiative within a planning context.
·Experience of managing and motivating staff, with a focus on their professional development.
·Proficiency in IT tools such as Word, PowerPoint, and other software packages for managing data.

Essential Skills:
·Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work proactively with minimal supervision.
·Excellent attention to detail and accuracy, especially in technical aspects of planning processes and documentation.
·Confident and professional communication skills, able to interact effectively with senior clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
·Ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload under pressure, ensuring project timelines and customer needs are met.

How to Apply:
Please submit your CV to ashleigh.waterhouse@carringtonwest.com or call 02393 876 054
 
Job reference - 56055