Senior Development Planner

The job holder will be responsible for providing professional planning advice for OnPath Energy. The job holder will help identify and assess the suitability of new prospects; develop the planning approach and strategy for individual and multiple projects; lead on the coordination and preparation of planning applications and environmental statements; secure all appropriate permissions and consents for their projects; coordinate and develop strategy, monitor and provide inputs on Local Plans, and National policy and guidance; deliver expert evidence at public inquiries; maintain and develop relationships with key stakeholders, co-ordinate and prepare for planning appeals and provide advice on all aspects of planning procedures, local policy and regulations.

The job holder will be the key point of contact with LPAs and relevant consultants and contacts, by working as part of a multi-disciplined project team.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The main duties and objectives of the role are as follows

To develop project planning strategy and design

• To work on a range of projects as required by the Planning Director which will be commensurate with your skill level, experience and complexity of project issues to be addressed. This is likely to involve multiple projects and require the preparation of appropriate applications and securing relevant approvals and consents;
• To work with individual project teams to develop the planning strategy and project design at the varying project stages to best achieve viable planning success;
• To prepare and co-ordinate submission of planning appeals;
• To monitor, report and prepare responses to national and local authority consultations;
• To carry out research and report on development issues associated or which may impact upon the company’s business activities ; and
• To undertake site surveys, record and report on observations that relate to planning issues.

Preparation, Co-ordination and Delivery of Planning Requirements:

• To prepare and complete the required planning deliverables (screening and scoping opinions, planning applications, Environmental Impact Assessments, appeals and representations, etc.) and secure the relevant satisfactory output (determination, permissions, consents, allocation, discharge of conditions etc.);
• To procure and manage relevant specialist consultants, working in planning, renewables, environmental and research areas e.g. planners, EIA and environmental consultants;
• To work closely with Project Managers and to provide specific inputs into projects in terms of scope of works, planning strategy, timescales and viable programmes and advise on likely planning related costs; and
• To work with the operations team to provide planning advice and support to operational sites including ongoing planning requirements.

To work with Local Planning Authorities, Statutory Consultees and Communities:

• To liaise with planning authorities, key agencies and other consultees ensuring that their information requirements are met and to secure their support for OnPath’s projects and activities;
• To assist in community liaison, attend exhibitions and meetings; and
• To develop lasting relationships with planning authorities and other organisations with the aim of widening and maintaining our information and contacts base to support the company’s activities.

To work safely

• The job holder will work safely at all times in accordance with OnPath’s Health and Safety Plan.

KEY CONTACTS:

The majority of contact will be with the Planning Director, Senior Development Planners and the multi-disciplinary project teams. External contacts are likely to include Local Authority personnel and associated statutory consultees. Attendance at community exhibitions and meetings will also be required in support of projects.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The job holder will find their time divided between office-based and out of office activities through project and business team working, and meetings with external bodies and interested parties such as LPAs, consultants, key stakeholders and communities. Work cycle periods will be driven by planning deadlines and committees, business plan targets and company project reviews and milestones.

TECHNICAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Educated to degree level or equivalent with qualifications in or relevant to Town and Country Planning. Experience in the preparation and co-ordination of planning applications / DCO’s and liaising with local planning authorities is essential with experience of working on renewable energy projects, particularly wind. Chartered status of the RTPI or IEMA.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with qualifications in, or relevant to, Town and Country Planning;
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the preparation and co-ordination of planning applications and liaising with local planning authorities;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrable experience of being able to work as part of a multi -disciplinary project team and on an individual basis with minimum supervision;
• Demonstrable experience of the ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure;
• In addition to working in to the TCPA regime, demonstrable experience of S36 and DCO regimes;
• Full UK Driving licence and comfortable with regular travel, sometimes at short notice;
• Chartered status of the RTPI or IEMA;
• Experience of working on renewable energy projects, particularly wind;
• Working knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessments.

DESIRABLE:

• Working knowledge of the planning system in both England and Scotland.

PERSONAL QUALITIES/COMPETENCIES:

• Logical planning and decision -making abilities;
• Ability to motivate, to lead by example and knows when to accept and when to challenge;
• Integrity and the ability to lead through influence;
• Ability to demonstrate strong attention to detail;
• Good judgement, showing logical decision making, and a hands-on approach;
• Logical planning ability. Ability to concentrate on different tasks at the same time and prioritise accordingly;
• Co-ordinate and direct internal and external meetings commensurate to experience level;
• Confident, a self-starter, with the ability to operate in a dynamic challenging environment;
• A positive ‘can do’ enthusiastic attitude towards addressing the technical challenges OnPath may face;
• Ability to work in strategic way, but also comfortable in managing the day-to-day details in a hands-on way;
• Excellent people skills (particularly active listening, empathy and influencing)
• Capable of independent thought and prepared to challenge current practice;
• Diligent; good attention to detail; thorough in approach;
• Exercises sound judgement & composure under pressure; and
• Flexible & responsive.

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