Planning Officer - Abingdon, United Kingdom - South Oxfordshire District Council

South Oxfordshire District Council

Verified Company

Abingdon, United Kingdom

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

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Description

This a fixed term role (until May 2024)

Contract:
Full-time; 37 hours a week.

Salary:
Grade £27,408 - £37,891).

Location:
Hybrid Contract (Work from home with hot desking available at the Abingdon office)

Are you looking for a new challenge?
Do you enjoy working in a varied, fast-paced environment?
Are you interested in place-making and shaping the future of our districts?

If so, this could be the role for you.

This is an exciting time to join the team as both districts work together to deliver a ground-breaking new Joint Local Plan.

We aspire for the Joint Local Plan to be both ambitious and innovative in helping to address key issues such as climate change, nature recovery, and affordable housing, in accordance with both of our corporate plan ambitions.

No two days will be the same, and you will have the opportunity to get involved in work that will directly benefit and help to build a better future for the residents of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse.

This is an ideal opportunity to work alongside knowledgeable colleagues to gain key skills and experience to further a career in town planning.

You can expect to assist in topics or sections in the plan and evidence base, work with our neighbouring authorities on cross-boundary matters, support public consultations and a wide range of other activities engaged with by the team.

It's an opportunity to help shape tomorrow in a beautiful vibrant part of the world.

So, if you think you are ready to grow and develop your skills in a stimulating and rewarding role within a friendly planning policy team, please do apply.

Main duties and responsibilities

Assist in the production of the Local Plan.
Assist in the carrying out of research into a variety of topics as part of the work on the preparation of the Local Plan and other policy documents.
Assist in the writing of briefs for consultants and in managing their contracts for specialist work and projects
Assist in the preparation of draft sections of the Local Plan and supplementary planning documents and papers and reports on the Local Plan and other planning policy issues, including consultation documents for officers and Members.
Attend meetings (including evening meetings when requested).
Assist in the preparation and conduct of consultations on the Local Plan and other planning policy documents including attendance at exhibitions and meetings.
Assist in the preparation and presentation of evidence supporting the Council's case at Examinations, Hearings and Public Inquiries.
Assist in other aspects of the team's work including input into county and other larger than local planning arrangements, management of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nature conservation and transportation matters.
Assist in monitoring planning policies.
Present at Cabinet Member Briefing and Round Table Sessions.

Your essential skills, knowledge and experience

Some experience of working in planning
Good interpersonal skills with customers and stakeholders, demonstrating an understanding of individual needs
Able to provide readily understood professional advice to customers and stakeholders, using tailored language specific to their level of understanding needs
Able to communicate ideas and expectations clearly and succinctly, using plain language
Good negotiating skills, actively listening to others' viewpoints
Good, accurate written communication skills
Experience of working within a customer focused environment dealing with the public
Ability to research concepts / projects, use own initiative and carry out activities with mínimal supervision
Able to demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver complex and challenging programmes of work
A basic knowledge of planning policy and planning legislation
A degree or post graduate degree in Town Planning, a related discipline or equivalent level of experience
Some experience of working in planning
Working towards RTPI Student/ licentiate member expected
Experience of planning policy work
Hold a full and current driving licence and daily have the use of a car insured for business purposes