Senior Town Planner

Our client is an established independent practice of town planners and architectural designers based in Newry. We are seeking an experienced town planner to help in the preparation, submission, and handling of complex planning applications and appeals. The successful candidate will also be expected to assist in the resolution of planning enforcement matters and guide landowners through the local development plan reviews currently underway. There may be a requirement to represent clients at planning committee meetings so that occasional out-of-hours work may be required. We are offering a competitive salary, pension scheme, and a perfect working environment in modern premises. Entry-level salary will be around £40k-£45k per annum; candidates with significant experience can expect higher.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice on development proposals or enforcement matters and support to colleagues to ensure the delivery of integrated, comprehensive planning submissions across all areas.
• Prepare reports, technical papers, statements, evidence and other information and present it at appeals, meetings, committees, hearings, public inquiries and to outside organisations and attendance at these events as required.
• Assist in the preparation of development plan representations and other studies, supplementary planning guidance and research and survey work, analysis and report writing in relation to the Local Development Plan processes, in support of planning applications or in relation to alleged breaches of planning control.
• Provide professional advice on more complex and technical planning issues, including enforcement matters.
• Carry out consultations on planning related issues and attend launches, exhibitions, workshops and meetings with internal and external stakeholders (including evening meetings as requested) at various locations within and outside the local area.
• Undertake research, monitoring, surveys and site inspections as required at various locations across the local area and respond to consultations ensuring that the Company' views are expressed accurately and effectively.
• Assist in the commissioning of consultants and the management of contracts for specialist work or projects.
• Keep up to date with current professional and technical practice and respond to changing team responsibilities or priorities.
• Effectively utilise the Companys IT systems, GIS and software to research, organise, evaluate, and communicate information.
• Support work on wider business and management initiatives.
• Undertake any other relevant duties that are required and are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post.

Skills & Requirements

• Essential 3rd level qualification in a relevant subject such as Environmental Planning, Town & Country Planning or equivalent. (Please note relevancy should be clearly demonstrated.)
• Five years technical experience working in a planning environment with experience in NI; 12 months experience of managing and motivating staff.
• Excellent knowledge of relevant planning legislation and regional guidance, with the ability to interpret planning policies and apply case law and best-practice;
• Hold a full current driving license (valid in the UK / Ireland) and have access to a car at the closing date or have access to a form of transport which will permit the applicant to carry out the duties of the post in full.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and collate information to support the advancement of development proposals;
• Ability to prepare and present reports, technical papers, statements etc;
• Ability to work as a team member and contribute to team goals and objectives whilst motivating staff to contribute to broader goals and objectives;
• Ability to work within a customer focused environment and deal effectively with clients, planning officers, associates and the general public;
• Ability to ensure productive corporate working through the development of relationships with relevant stakeholders;
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels;
• Good negotiation and persuasion skills with the ability to encourage others to adopt a particular course of action;
• Good IT skills with the ability to use GIS systems, databases and spreadsheets effectively;
• Ability to work on own initiative;
• Demonstrate a high level of commitment towards the job;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Experience with planning appeals and attendance at planning committee hearings.

Desirable

• Member of Irish Planning Institute or Royal Town Planning Institute.
• 3-4 years experience in one or more of the following areas: Processing major planning applications; Carrying out policy development work; or Enforcement experience;
• Two years experience of managing and motivating staff.
• Experience of working in the planning sector;
• Experience in using the Planning Portal.

To apply - please click apply now and upload a copy of your CV.