Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planning OfficerPermanent -37 hours per week£42,403 - £46,464 per annum, plus a £4000 Market Forces Supplement payment (reviewed annually)Wychavon and Malvern have an ambitious growth strategy and will be building over 20,000 homes and 300 hectares of employment land over the next 15 years.The strategy includes the delivery of the major new settlements at Worcestershire Parkway for 10,000 homes and Throckmorton for 5,000 homes.Combined with ambitious strategies to regenerate our existing centres such as Evesham and Droitwich this is your chance to help shape the future of some of the fastest growing Districts in the West Midlands.In this role you will be responsible for managing major applications across our districts.This involves the allocation, vetting and processing of applications, involving site inspections, negotiations (including s106 agreements), consultations and general correspondence, the preparation of written reports and their subsequent presentation where

necessary to the Area Planning Committees.You will also deal with S78 planning appeals whether under the written representations, informal hearing or public inquiryprocedures and you willsupport the Development Manager in the allocation and issuing of decisions on planning related matters.You will be in regular contact with applicants, agents, members of the public and elected members.Great communication skills and an ability to engage with a range of stakeholders is therefore essential along with a commitment to delivering an outstanding service to all our customers.This is a great opportunity for an experienced planning professional to grow your CV and cement your planning experience in a supportive and ambitious shared service.About youFor the role of Principal Planning Officer, you will need:To be natural project manager and ideally have experience of dealing with major category planning applications, complex appeals and have a strong track record of negotiating S106 legal
agreements and securing high quality design.Full Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) membership, or willingness to work towards full membership, and be able to demonstrate a commitment to continual professional development (CPD).Comprehensive and up to date knowledge of planning law and practiceTo be educated to degree level with a recognised qualification in town planning.Good computer literacy and be able to use MS Office, property databases and GIS systems.The ability to work under pressure and manage a caseload of complex/contentious planning applications is essential.Excellent presentation and communication skillsAn appreciation of good designNegotiate planning obligations within tight deadlines, demonstrate outstanding customer care, strong computer skills and a commitment to supporting performance improvement are all key personal attributes that you will need to demonstrate.You will be required to attend regular Planning Committee meetings and undertake site
visits so flexibility, a full driving licence and use of a car is essential. You will also need to be able to travel throughout the districts.What we can offerOur staff are at the heart of what we do, and as a result we are always looking to recruit, develop and retain the very best talent we can find. So, as well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:Agile WorkingExcellent pension scheme with employer contributionsGenerous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leaveCommitted training programme and development opportunitiesPayment of one professional membership subscription e.g. RTPI.Onsite nursery with 20% staff discountDiscounted Gym and swim membershipHealth and Wellbeing support and a Free Employee Assistance scheme including access to counselling servicesCycle to Work schemeEmployee Discounts with a range of companies including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme.The role is required to