ASSISTANT PLANNER (Minor Applications Team)

BBT

Job Description

The Processing of Planning Applications.

 Assistance in the registration of new planning applications involving the checking of planning fees and permitted development.

 An appraisal of the technical aspects of the application, to include consideration of the planning history, relevant policies, standards and guidelines, impact on neighbouring properties and occupiers, parking aspects, service provision, and effect on the amenity of the locality in general.

 Site visits to check existing features on and adjoining the site and the impact of the proposed development.

 Negotiations with developers to achieve satisfactory proposals within the context of national, strategic and local policies, standards and guidelines.

 Preparation of reports on applications with a recommendation to the Group Manager Planning Services for consideration under Delegated powers, or by the Development Management Committee, or the Strategic Planning Committee.
 Liaison with other Sections within Planning Services, other Divisions within Urban Living, other Council Departments, and Government Departments.

 Liaison with elected Members, members of the public, Resident’s Associations and other interested parties, in connection with application proposals, and preparation of relevant correspondence.

 Monitoring of conditions following the implementation of planning permissions.

 Liaison with the Council’s Design & Conservation Group on Tree Preservation Orders and planning applications concerning the felling, lopping or topping of trees under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The Provision of General Planning Advice in the Environmental Information Centre

 Assistance in the provision of the Duty Planner service by attendance in Reception, on some weekday mornings, and some Thursday evenings, to provide advice to the general public.

 Dealing with general planning enquiries from members of the public, prospective developers, and elected Members on development control and related matters.

 Answering general planning enquiries relating, for example, about the need for planning permission, or interpreting planning legislation, policy, standards and guidelines. Preparation and maintenance of accurate computerised notes of discussions and circulation to Planning Officers as appropriate.

 Advising on the procedural technicalities of form-filling and application preparation, including the explanation of planning fees, in relation to all types of applications, including:-
 outline and full permission, continued use, retention of buildings
 variation of permission
 advertisement consent
 listed building consent and conservation area consent
 certificates of existing and proposed lawful development
 crown development
 prior approval determinations of telecommunications, agricultural, and demolition development.

 Explaining planning applications and appeals to neighbouring residents and other interested parties.

 Explaining procedural matters involved in planning application and appeal processing.

 Answering general planning enquiries from telephone callers.

 Preparation of replies to letters and memoranda.

 Assisting Planners in research / survey on current planning applications and appeals.
 Represent, as required, the Development Management Section at meetings with other Sections, Divisions and Council Departments, government departments, statutory bodies, developers, community and other groups, and the general public.

 Maintenance of Duty Planner information files and notices in Reception.

 Assistance with the review and appraisal of the current published guidance, standards, advice and information available to the public with a view to updating as appropriate and in liaison with the relevant sections of the Group.

The Processing of Planning Appeals.

 Appraisal of the technical aspects of the planning appeals to include a site visit, research into the planning history of the site, and analysis and explanation of strategic and local planning policies.

 Preparation of appeal statements to justify the Council’s decision, for consideration by written representations and informal hearing.

 Assistance at informal hearings, local inquiries, Courts and other tribunals on related matters, as required.

Assistance with the Enforcement of Planning Control.

 Liaison with Enforcement Officers and Planners in cases of contraventions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, and associated legislation.

 Liaison with Planning Solicitors on enforcement and related matters.

 Such other duties which may be required, reasonably, from time to time.