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- Tasks: Lead service improvement projects and manage planning applications for the Council.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to community development and support.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension contributions, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your career in planning.
- Qualifications: Experience in Development Management and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to reflecting the community we serve.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Salary: £47,181 – £50,269 a year plus £3,203 car benefit allowance plus £5,000 market supplement allowance
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
We have an exciting yet vital opportunity within our Planning division, where you’ll support the work of Development Management with a focus on service improvement and deputise for the Team Manager (Strategic Applications) and Team Manager (Minor Applications) in leading a team in Development Management.
You will primarily be responsible for managing the throughput of planning applications and representing the Council at Appeals under the direction of the Head of Planning, ensuring effective service provision and compliance with Council policies and practices. This will include having delegated authority to determine minor applications and instigate enforcement action.
You will take the lead on service improvement projects and initiatives for the Development Management Service, that seeks to enhance efficiencies and cost savings and strives to introduce processes that build greater relationships, networking and closer working with internal and external stakeholders.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
To be successful in this role you will have in-depth experience of Development Management work within a statutory town planning framework including representing the Local Planning Authority at Public Inquiries. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are a must for this role as you will be required to communicate with staff at all levels, as well as influencing and negotiating with developers, stakeholders, senior managers and other agencies in order to meet the council’s objectives.
You’ll have the ability to write and present clear and complex reports and policy documents, policies, project plans, business cases dealing with complex planning issues and present them at public meetings. It is important that you have demonstrable command of the principles and practices of Town Planning and of the Enforcement provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act.
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents. The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough.
Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person’s criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.
On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.
We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:
- From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!
Our ‘How to apply' page has more tips to help with your application.
Principal Planner - Service Improvements and Projects in Luton employer: Luton Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Luton Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner - Service Improvements and Projects in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to Development Management. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your work, like reports or project plans, to interviews. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gives you a chance to discuss your thought process and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner - Service Improvements and Projects in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in Development Management. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, include examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders. This will help us see your interpersonal skills in action!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, aim for clarity. Present your experiences and qualifications in a straightforward manner, making it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you access to any additional resources we have for applicants.
How to prepare for a job interview at Luton Borough Council
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Development Management and the Town and Country Planning Act. Be ready to discuss specific cases or examples where you've successfully navigated complex planning issues, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders in the past. Think of examples where you've influenced decisions or negotiated outcomes, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Prepare for Public Speaking
Given that you'll need to present reports and policies at public meetings, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to rehearse a mock presentation to a friend or family member to get comfortable with speaking in front of others.
✨Emphasise Service Improvement Initiatives
This role focuses on enhancing efficiencies and cost savings, so come prepared with ideas or examples of service improvement projects you've led or been involved in. Highlight how these initiatives benefited the organisation and improved stakeholder relationships.
