Planning Technician – 3 Month Contract

Summary

Responsibilities

Planning Application Validation & Registration

• Validate a wide range of planning applications, including complex major ones.
  


• Evaluate applications against legislative standards, local policies, and national guidelines.
  


• Analyze and interpret technical plans, architectural drawings, and specialized reports.
  


• Calculate and confirm planning fees as per Planning Fee Regulations.
  


• Identify consultation needs and conduct statutory consultations.
  


• Publish planning documents ensuring adherence to Data Protection laws.
  


• Communicate with applicants, agents, architects, and developers regarding validation needs.
  

Planning Technical Support

• Offer technical advice and support to customers, applicants, and stakeholders.
  


• Evaluate applications under planning legislation and telecommunications regulations.
  


• Decide on the rejection of applications under Section 70A of the Town and Country Planning Act.
  


• Identify planning constraints and environmental factors affecting applications.
  


• Determine the necessity of statutory notices and arrange their publication.
  

Planning Committee Support

• Assist in the preparation and administration of Planning Committee meetings.
  


• Create photographs, plans, and presentation materials using editing software.
  


• Attend Planning Committee meetings outside regular office hours as needed.
  


• Support Councillors, officers, public speakers, and the public during meetings.
  

Local Land Charges & Searches

• Handle Local Land Charges searches.
  


• Complete CON29 searches and related documentation.
  


• Register and remove Local Land Charge entries.
  


• Process applications and fees for Local Land Charges.
  


• Maintain precise records and search data.
  

Appeals & Case Administration

• Oversee administrative tasks related to planning appeals.
  


• Process discharge of condition applications.
  


• Conduct internal and external consultations.
  


• Maintain accurate records using planning and GIS systems.
  


• Achieve service performance targets and statutory deadlines.
  

• Experience in Planning, Development Management, Local Land Charges, or a similar technical field.
  


• Knowledge or awareness of:
  
  
  
  • Planning processes
    
  
  
  • Development Management
    
  
  
  • Local Land Charges
    
  
  
  • Planning legislation
    
  
  


• Ability to read, interpret, and measure technical plans and drawings.
  


• Proficiency in using IT systems and databases.
  


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  


• Strong organizational and workload management abilities.
  


• Capability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  


• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
  


• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
  


• Experience in a customer-focused environment.
  

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3, A-Levels, or equivalent qualification
  

• Relevant experience within Planning or Local Land Charges.
  

Desirable Experience

• Experience within a Local Authority Planning Service.
  


• Familiarity with GIS systems such as MapInfo.
  


• Experience in validating planning applications.
  


• Experience supporting Planning Committees.
  


• Knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act.
  


• Experience processing Local Land Charges searches.
  

Additional Requirements

• Attendance at Planning Committee meetings outside normal office hours when required.
  


• Casual Car User status.
  


• Site visits may be necessary, including in adverse weather conditions.
  


• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, confidentiality, and customer service standards.
  

What's on Offer?

• £25.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  


• 3 Month Contract
  


• Hybrid Working – 1 Day On-Site (Tuesday)
  


• Location: Walsall Civic Centre
  


• Bi-weekly Pay
  


• Opportunity to work within a dynamic Planning & Building Control Service.
  


• Diverse role covering planning validation, technical support, appeals, committee administration, and Local Land Charges.
  


• Excellent opportunity for candidates with planning administration, technical support, or local authority planning experience.