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The Malvern Hills and Wychavon districts are already amazing places, with unique history and exceptional landscape quality, yet also places of significant opportunity. 

We want the two districts to be somewhere everyone thrives.  Delivering on the growth potential for these areas is critical to that vision.  As a Principal Planning Officer, you will play a key role in shaping the way that the districts grow, balancing our strong emphasis on economic expansion with the need to conserve and enhance our rich natural and built heritage.         

About the role                                                               

Great planning and development are vital to our vision for the two districts.  We need customer focused, creative and proactive Principal Planning Officers to help catalyse growth and create a real sense of place. The successful candidate will need to be confident in their own ability and have a good understanding of current planning legislation. Good communication skills and an ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders is essential. 

You will assess a caseload of varied planning applications, preparing reports, dealing with appeals and general correspondence and provide pre-application advice on the telephone, by email and face to face.  You will be in regular contact with applicants, agents, members of the public and other users of the service, you must be committed to delivering an outstanding service to all our customers and will need to support the Development Managers in the continuous improvement of a high performing service.

  

         

For the role of Principal Planning Officer, you will need to be a natural project manager and ideally have experience of dealing with major category planning applications, complex appeals and have a strong track record of negotiating S106 legal agreements and securing high quality design. You will have full Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) membership and be able to demonstrate a commitment to continual professional development (CPD).

You will have comprehensive and up to date knowledge of planning law and practice, be educated to degree level with a recognised qualification in town planning. You must have good computer literacy and be able to use MS Office, property databases and GIS systems.

The ability to work under pressure and manage a caseload of complex/contentious planning applications is essential. This is a demanding role, but an exciting challenge for the right candidate, therefore you must be committed and have a desire to succeed and develop your skills within the role. You will be required to attend evening Planning Committee meetings and undertake site visits so flexibility, a full driving licence and use of a car is essential so you are able to travel throughout the district including some isolated rural areas.

Excellent presentation and communication skills, an appreciation of good design, the ability to project manage major applications and negotiate planning obligations within tight deadlines, demonstrate outstanding customer care, strong computer skills and a commitment to supporting performance improvement are all key personal attributes that you will need to demonstrate.

Malvern Hills and Wychavon district councils are forward-thinking, proactive and successful Local Planning Authorities situated in accessible, exceptionally attractive countryside within South Worcestershire.  We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Principal Planning Officers who will thrive on the challenge of managing a varied caseload of mostly major planning applications and appeals and deputise forour Development Managers when required.

We are an Agile employer – our staff only have a 40% minimum requirement for office working. The remainder of working time can be remote, working from home or other suitable locations.

Our staff are at the heart of what we do, and as a result we are always looking to recruit, develop and retain the very best talent we can find.  That's why, as well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:

* Agile and Flexible Working (40% minimum office based)

* Excellent pension scheme

* 28 days annual leave rising to 32 days after 5 years continuous service

* Options to purchase up to 10 days additional annual leave

* Regular job-specific training

* Discounted Gym and swim membership

* Free Employee Assistance scheme including access to counselling services

* Free annual flu vaccinations

* Health and Wellbeing support

* Cycle to Work scheme

* Employee Discounts with a range of companies including EE and

* Kaarp discount scheme which provides a range of employee discounts for days out and holidays

The post holder will be based in either Pershore or Malvern with a requirement to work from both locations as the needs of the service arise. We welcome applications from candidates looking for full time and part time opportunities. The Council operates an agile working policy enabling employees to work from home up to 3 days a week.  

If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Ciaran Power (Head of Development Management) on 01684 862317 [email protected] Sean Herbert (Development Manager) on 01684 862277 on [email protected]