Development Management Area Team Leader

About the job Development Management Area Team Leader

MAIN PURPOSE:

To assist Senior Planning Managers in the Management and control of development within the framework of the current town planning and associated legislation.

Prepare reports and make recommendations on applications determined under delegated powers and, when required make delegated decisions on planning applications on behalf of the Chief Planner.

To support the management team by exercising professional and managerial responsibility of planning staff in order to delivery a high quality service.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Manage one of the Development Management teams on behalf of or under the direction of the Head of Development Management in all aspects of work in order to maintain consistency of practice throughout the section and to ensure the efficient discharge of the workload.
• Bring to the attention of Head of Development Management any matters of policy or problems arising from work of the team which may require action at Head of Development Management or Senior Officer Level.
• Examine all development applications and where necessary guide and instruct members of the team as to appropriate action. This action will include organising and running screening meetings, negotiation with applicants to make improvements or alternative scheme in the interest of higher development standards.
• Represent the Chief Planner at Planning Committees when required to explain individual applications and recommendations and advise Members on matters of planning policy.
• Appear as an expert witness at Local inquiries when required on issues that are more complex or wider that standard development control considerations.
• Interpret, apply and enforce current town planning and other associated legislation and literature that form the framework and background for development control.
• Assist where necessary in the supervision and instruction of others teams within the division.
• Take decisions on planning applications and related matters under delegated powers.
• Produce planning applications reports in respect of items that are considered of a special or contentious nature.
• Undertake site visits relating to development proposals as necessary.
• Check and approve reports prepared by other team members as required.
• Lead or give advice to team members with regard to negotiations with planning applicants, developers, housing associations, legal colleagues and others on specific details of any application requiring a section 106 Agreement.
• Give advice to staff on the implications that development may have on communities e.g. taking account of infrastructure, sustainability or educational requirements.
• Advise team members regarding liaising with statutory and non-statutory consultees to assist in the determination of said applications.
• Represent the Division at meetings with other Council Officers, neighbouring councils and authorities associated with the assessment of development proposals and giving advice on planning matters as required.
• Represent the Division at member level meetings, including Member Site visits, as required and give advice on planning matters as required.
• Represent the Council at events, presentations, exhibitions, public meetings and public relation exercises associated with development proposals as required
• Respond to correspondence and telephone enquires relating to the work of the team and agrees outgoing correspondence originating from the team.
• Give advice on alleged breaches of planning control when required which may also include attending court as a representative of the Council
• Work within a target driven environment as well as contributing generally to the work of the Planning Division meeting deadlines to ensure section targets are achieved.
• Contribute to corporate initiatives as required including personnel programmes such as PADS
• Attend meetings in or out of office hours as required
• Implement a programme of continuous improvement initiatives including application of the lean thinking approach
• Undertake any other duties as required.

CONTACTS AND RELATIONSHIPS: (customer Focus, both internal and external)

Excellent oral and written communication skills and an ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences, including Councillors, Officers, the public and businesses.

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP: (finance, resources, performance management, staff supervision and service delivery)

EQUALITIES:

Ensure implementation of the Councils equal opportunities policies and its statutory responsibility with regard to other individuals and service delivery.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to communicate orally in a clear and confident manner with Members and a wide range of people at all levels.
• Ability to write in a clear, concise and well-structured manner
• Excellent organisation skills and the ability to think laterally and lead other staff in meeting tight deadlines.
• Ability to present the Councils case to Members, in court and at appeal.
• Ability to motivate and lead a team of professionals and others.
• Ensure on-going structured and rigorous approach to continuous improvement.
• Ensure that a proactive approach to workflow is applied

KNOWLEDGE

• In depth knowledge of planning legislation.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience of managing staff in a planning environment
• Experience of running a heavy personal caseload and managing the delivery of reports to a strict deadline.
• Experience of advising staff, Members and the public of the need for planning permission and the likelihood of permission being granted.
• Experience of preparing and giving evidence at major planning inquiries.

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