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

South Oxfordshire District Council
South Oxfordshire District Council
Verified Company
Abingdon, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Tom O´Connor

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Tom O´Connor

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Description

Salary and grade:
£39,977 - £45,568 Grade 6


Duration of role:
Fixed term until 4 January 2024


Hours per week: 37


Location:
Hybrid (home -based/ Abingdon)


Closing date: 25 June 2023

About the role and what we're looking for


Are you a dynamic and enthusiastic town planner with experience in local and ideally neighbourhood plan-making? South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are looking for an ambitious planning policy officer committed to place-making and high-quality customer service.

If you are ready for a new challenge with opportunities to develop professionally, this could be the role for you.


The successful applicant for this important role will join the councils at an exciting time to help deliver the work of the policy team.

The immediate focus will be to support communities which are preparing neighbourhood plans for many of our towns and villages as well as supporting the council's delivery of a pilot testing a simpler form of neighbourhood planning.

This will include advising community groups on correct procedure, ensuring that their plans are aligned with the districts' current and emerging development plans, and helping to manage the examination and adoption of neighbourhood plans.

This post will also contribute to the progression of Local Plan work as required.


Main duties and responsibilities
guide and advise neighbourhood planning groups to ensure that they are following regulations

ensure that neighbourhood plans being prepared conform with the districts' local plans

assist the community groups preparing neighbourhood plans

attend meetings with community groups, councillors and consultants

prepare neighbourhood planning documents and reports for colleagues and councillors as required

prepare the council's formal response to draft Neighbourhood Plans

manage formal public consultation, examination and referendum for neighbourhood plans

provide professional advice and training on neighbourhood plans, planning policy and development matters to the public, Members and other professionals

assist in the supervision of the work of junior planning or technical officers

assist in other aspects of the team's work, in particular Local Plan preparation, as required

assist in monitoring planning policies.


Your essential skills, knowledge and experience
minimum of 2 years' experience of working in a planning office

good IT experience in Windows environment and good keyboard skills

experience of working within a customer focused environment dealing with the public

good, accurate written communication skills

good oral skills and experience in giving clear, succinct and well-argued presentations

confident working with maps and plans

an excellent knowledge of planning legislation and guidance, and the ability to interpret these

ability and willingness to take individual responsibility for work and set priorities

ability to work as a team member and contribute to the team

diplomatic, tactful and able to maintain discretion in difficult circumstances


Your essential qualifications
a Degree or Diploma in Town Planning, or a related discipline, or equivalent level of experience

full/licentiate membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute

hold a full and current driving licence

have the use of a car insured for business purposes


If you have the following experience or qualifications - it's a bonus
Previous experience of preparing or assisting preparation of neighbourhood plans

Experience of carrying out Sustainability Appraisals and/or SEAs for development plans

additional education in a related discipline


Your style and behaviours
enthusiasm and self motivation

strong and proven customer service ethos and desire to meet customer expectations

positive 'can do' attitude and proven use of initiative

displays accountability and takes responsibility

achieves results and meets targets

collaborative and inclusive.

About Us


Our Vision:
We strive to be customer-focused, approachable, and business-like. We value honesty, openness, and the provision of high-quality, cost-effective services.


Our Values:
Acting with integrity and showing respect.

Being accountable.

Having passion for our business.

Striving for simplicity.

Celebrating success.


The Benefits We Offer:


Basic 24 days annual leave per annum, rising to 29 days after five years, plus bank holidays and time off between Christmas and New Year.

Salary pay awards, with potential for increases after six months or the following April, and annual salary reviews.

Generous career average pension scheme, including life insurance.

Opportunity to purchase a bike through Cyclescheme.

Various schemes to promote health and well-being.

Two days per year for volunteering within the local community.


You may have experience of the following: Senior Planning Officer, Local Authority, Policy, Town Planning, Council, Planner, Project Management, Planning Policy Manager, Town Planner, Legislation, RTPI, Sustainability, etc.


REF
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