Planning Policy Officer – Castle Point Borough Council in Essex

Castle Point Borough Council is seeking a Planning Policy Officer to join our proactive and forward-thinking Planning Policy Team. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on the borough’s townscape and landscape. This is a career development post, and forms part of our career development scheme. This provides the opportunity for someone with an interest in placemaking and sustainable development to enter the planning profession, or for someone early in their career as a planner to take the next step in their personal development.

To be successful in this role you will need to be interested in how places work and how people use places and spaces. You will have a willingness to learn and develop, and you will have transferable skills in terms of analysing and interpreting data and information to solve problems and create solutions. We are at an exciting stage in the plan-making process at Castle Point and need someone who can work as part of the team to assist the Council in delivering the adoption of the Castle Point Plan, and its implementation.

In this exciting and varied role, you will:

• Undertake evidence base work and research to inform the development of planning policy.
• Contribute to the preparation of planning policy and the preparation of reports on planning policy matters.
• Contribute towards the process of examination of the Local Plan, and any other public inquiries or hearings which require the input of the planning policy team.
• Undertake site visits and data collection to assist in the effective monitoring of planning policies, and produce written reports including maps, tables and graphs illustrating the outcomes of monitoring activities.
• Provide advice to residents and a range of other stakeholders on planning policy and related matters, both orally and in writing.

As your experience and knowledge grow, your level of responsibility for these tasks will increase.

Key Skills and Abilities

• Analytical and judgement skills, with an ability to interpret information, be creative and solve problems.
• Ability to respond to the public and officers on planning policy matters.
• For higher scale points this includes participation in inquiries and hearings.
• Ability to undertake research and draft robust written reports.
• Ability to follow procedures and understand policy requirements.
• Ability to use your initiative to address unexpected problems.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office suite including MS Word and MS Excel.
• Ability to use GIS software to map data is desirable.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and customer-focused service.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable.
• You should be available to attend occasional evening meetings and engagement events.

Experience and Qualifications

To enter this role at band 5 either of the following is required:

• A level, NVQ or equivalent, and typically at least one year’s experience of working in a local authority planning service, or
• An undergraduate degree in a related field (geography, planning etc) with no experience in working in a local authority planning service, or in a private planning practice.

To enter this role at band 6, any of the following is required:

• Typically at least two years’ experience of Town and Country Planning gained in a local planning authority and studying for a recognised planning qualification; or
• A qualification recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute but typically less than 3 years’ experience of Town and Country Planning; or
• Technical Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or equivalent.

To enter this role at band 7, either of the following is required:

• Qualification recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute or equivalent plus typically at least three years’ experience of Town and Country Planning gained in a local authority and/or private planning practice, or
• Typically at least five years' relevant experience of Town and Country Planning gained in a local authority and/or private planning practice.

Other Benefits

Not only is this a great role for the right candidate but you also get some great benefits including:

• 27 days annual leave
• Flexi-time
• FREE gym membership
• Pension
• Payment of one relevant professional subscription
• Funded work-related training and development courses

The Council is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all our employees to share this commitment. Our values: Trust, Respect, Improving and Learning, and Customer Focus. Castle Point Borough Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.