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- Tasks: Lead planning appeals, prepare statements, and mentor team members in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Forest of Dean District Council, committed to sustainable community development and social equity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health cash plans, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community planning while developing your skills in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Planning, MRTPI membership, and 5+ years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Politically restricted role; must submit a supporting statement with your application.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 46000 £ per year.
Coleford Forest of Dean District Council is dedicated to creating a vibrant and sustainable future for our community. Our priorities are centred on fostering thriving communities by empowering and engaging residents, enhancing infrastructure, promoting community well-being, and ensuring social equity. We are committed to decarbonisation and nature recovery, focusing on renewable energy transitions, energy efficiency, transport transformation, nature recovery, and food resilience. Additionally, we strive to build a sustainable economy through the promotion of a circular economy, robust business support, workforce skill development, sustainable town initiatives, and the preservation of natural capital.
Are you a skilled and experienced planning professional ready to take on a new challenge? Forest of Dean District Council is looking for a Senior Planning Appeals Officer to join our Development Management team. In this pivotal role, you will play a key part in upholding the Council's planning decisions, representing us at appeal hearings, informal hearings, and public inquiries.
About the role:
- Represent the Council at planning appeals, including hearings and public inquiries
- Prepare and submit written appeal statements to set deadlines
- Manage complex, sensitive planning cases independently
- Supervise and mentor planning officers
- Provide professional planning advice and present cases to Planning Committee
- Respond to informal planning enquiries and complaints
You will need:
- A degree in Planning or a related discipline
- Chartered Town Planner qualification (Level 7)
- Eligibility for full MRTPI membership
- Substantial professional experience (5+ years) in planning or a related field
- A proactive, detail-focused approach with excellent communication and organisational skills
Special Conditions:
This post is designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.
What can we do for you?
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
- In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV. Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years' employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
Senior Planning Appeals Officer employer: Forest of Dean District Council
Contact Detail:
Forest of Dean District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Appeals Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest planning legislation and policies relevant to the Forest of Dean area. This knowledge will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience with appeals. Engaging with others can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to valuable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising how you would handle complex planning cases. Think about specific examples from your past experience that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to manage sensitive issues.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your mentoring abilities by thinking of ways you've supported junior staff in the past. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the development of your team at Forest of Dean District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Appeals Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Planning Appeals Officer position. Make sure you understand the responsibilities and requirements, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Highlight your relevant experience in planning, particularly any work related to appeals or complex cases. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects your qualifications and experience that are most relevant to the position. Include your degree, MRTPI membership, and any significant projects you've managed, focusing on your achievements in planning.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forest of Dean District Council
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you're up to date with the latest planning legislation and policies. Being able to discuss recent changes and how they impact planning appeals will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Case Scenarios
Think about complex planning cases you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss these during the interview, highlighting your problem-solving skills and how you navigated challenges effectively.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As a Senior Planning Appeals Officer, you'll need excellent communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex planning issues to various stakeholders, including the public and committee members.
✨Show Your Mentoring Experience
Since the role involves supervising and mentoring other planning officers, be prepared to share your experiences in guiding others. Discuss how you've supported team members in their professional development and the impact it had on the team.
