Planning Officer (Development Management) – 3 Month Contract

Summary

Responsibilities

Development Management

• Oversee a diverse range of applications, including:
  
  
  
  • Householder Applications
    
  
  
  • Minor Planning Applications
    
  
  
  • Pre-Application Enquiries
    
  
  
  • Related Appeals
    
  
  


• Draft reports and recommendations for delegated decisions and Planning Committee determinations.
  


• Conduct necessary consultations and statutory publicity.
  


• Perform site visits and evaluations.
  


• Engage with applicants, agents, and stakeholders to facilitate favorable planning outcomes.
  


• Monitor developments for compliance with planning permissions and conditions.
  


• Maintain precise planning records and case files.
  

Planning Appeals

• Manage appeals related to planning applications and enforcement issues.
  


• Prepare appeal statements and supporting documents.
  


• Coordinate with the Planning Inspectorate and relevant parties.
  


• Present evidence as needed.
  

Enforcement

• Investigate reported breaches of planning control.
  


• Evaluate enforcement cases and suggest appropriate actions.
  


• Draft and issue enforcement notices when necessary.
  


• Conduct interviews under caution (PACE) as required.
  


• Monitor compliance and assist in enforcement proceedings.
  

Committee & Stakeholder Engagement

• Attend Planning Committee meetings as needed.
  


• Present planning applications and recommendations.
  


• Represent the Council at meetings, appeals, hearings, public inquiries, and court proceedings as appropriate.
  


• Address customer inquiries and complaints with professionalism and efficiency.
  


• Collaborate with colleagues across Planning and Building Control.
  

• Extensive experience in Development Management Planning.
  


• Proficiency in managing householder and minor planning applications.
  


• Experience in providing pre-application advice.
  


• Competence in handling planning appeals.
  


• Strong understanding of:
  
  
  
  • Town and Country Planning Act
    
  
  
  • Planning Policy
    
  
  
  • Development Management Procedures
    
  
  
  • Planning Appeals Process
    
  
  


• Ability to draft clear, accurate, and professional reports.
  


• Experience conducting planning site visits.
  


• Skill in interpreting planning drawings and development layouts.
  


• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
  


• Strong customer service orientation.
  


• Capability to manage a busy caseload and meet statutory deadlines.
  


• Proficient IT skills.
  

Qualifications

• Degree in Planning or a related field
  

• Equivalent experience in Development Management, Planning Enforcement, or related planning roles.
  

Essential Additional Requirements

• Full UK Driving Licence
  


• Access to Own Vehicle
  


• Availability to work at the Walsall Civic Centre 2 days per week, including Tuesdays.
  


• Proficiency in communicating effectively in spoken English.
  


• Dedication to equality, diversity, confidentiality, and customer service excellence.
  

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in Local Authority Development Management.
  


• Participation in Planning Committees.
  


• Experience in preparing evidence for inquiries or hearings.
  


• MRTPI Membership or progress towards membership.
  

What's on Offer?

• £35.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  


• 3 Month Contract
  


• Hybrid Working – 2 Days Office Based (Including Tuesdays) / 3 Days Remote
  


• Location: Walsall Civic Centre
  


• Bi-weekly Pay
  


• Opportunity to join a supportive and experienced Development Management team.
  


• Varied caseload of planning applications, pre-applications, and appeals.
  


• Priority given to candidates available at short notice.