Planning Assistant

Our client a large public sector organisation requires a Planning Assistant based in Newtownabbey.

Role: Planning Assistant

Rate of Pay: £17.59

Location: Newtownabbey

Hours: 37 hours

Duration: 3 Months

Closing Date: Monday 4^th November 12 noon

Main duties/Responsibilities:

Responsible to a Senior Planning Officer, through a Planning Officer in the Planning Section for the provision of a high quality, efficient and effective Planning Service in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area.

To provide support to the team in meeting all statutory requirements and ensuring effective performance management in the area of work assigned, whilst supporting training and development for staff within the team to meet the needs of the business and all customers in accordance with best practice standards and other performance indicators.

• Responsible for the following areas under the supervision of a senior officer, depending upon the operational requirements of the Section:

(a)The assembly of information, desktop and site survey work and the carrying out of research for reports to assist with the preparation of the emerging Local Development Plan, including the preparation of material for exhibitions, workshops and the Independent Public Examination into the Plan and other events associated with the work of the Forward Planning Section

(b)The validation of planning and other development management applications and the processing of cases, including input to appeals.

(c) The monitoring of planning decisions and investigation of alleged breaches of planning control, including the gathering of evidence, the processing of retrospective applications and representing the Council in the service of Enforcement Notices and as a witness at appeals and in court in regard to unauthorised development. Involvement in all aspects of works to protected trees, including the service of Tree Preservation Orders and the investigation of unauthorised works to trees

• Support the work of the team members, deputising for the Planning Officer when required, to ensure effective performance against the objectives and targets set out in the Planning Section Business Plan
• Contribute to the delivery of objectives, performance indicators and work programmes for the annual Planning Section Business Plan and wider service level business and management initiatives in line with the objectives of the Council's Corporate Plan and best practice.
• Provide professional advice on planning policy, development management or enforcement matters to colleagues, residents, elected members, stakeholders and other planning professionals.
• Prepare reports, technical papers, research evidence, written statements, planning evidence and other information for committees, meetings, appeals, public inquiries/examinations and court hearings as required.
• Undertake research, monitoring, surveys and site inspections/meetings at various locations across the Borough and respond to consultations ensuring that the Council's views are expressed effectively.
• Assist in providing day to day supervision of and giving direction to any technical support staff in accordance with the principles of performance management ensuring the timely delivery of a high quality professional service.
• Provide support to the team to ensure the delivery of integrated, comprehensive planning functions across the service.
• Provide professional advice at internal group meetings and at other meetings as required.
• Deal effectively and efficiently with enquiries from the public, elected representatives and internal and external stakeholders through face to face meetings, by correspondence, telephone and electronic communication.
• Contribute to the development of briefs and assist in the commissioning of consultants and the management of contracts for specialist work or projects as required.
• Undertake and be accountable for key tasks as allocated by a senior officer, to include the provision of advice on planning matters and the researching and drafting of policy and advice documents.
• Keep up to date with current professional and technical practice and respond to changing team responsibilities or priorities.
• Establish and manage effective partnerships within the Council, and with external stakeholders where appropriate, in order to promote collaborative working and achieve results.
• Carry out consultations on planning related issues and attend launches, exhibitions, workshops and external meetings as required (including evening meetings as required).
• Support the representation of the Planning Section at meetings and working parties within and outside the Council as required (including evening meetings as required).
• Utilise the Council's IT systems, GIS and software to research, organise, evaluate and communicate information effectively.
• Carry out all duties to the highest of professional standards, protecting the reputation and ensuring the integrity of the Council at all times.
• Participate as required in the Council's recruitment and selection procedures 3 Planning Assistant (Agency) October 2024
• Carry out any other duties which may arise from time to time commensurate with the status of the post.
• To be available from time to time to carry out duties outside of normal office hours and in addition to basic contracted hours. Such additional hours will be remunerated in line with Council's approved policies at the time.

Essential Criteria:

• HNC/HND/BTEC Higher National Certificate in Planning, Surveying and Cartography or BTEC Higher National Certificate in Land Administration (Planning) or an equivalent/higher standard of qualification

OR

• ONC/OND/BTEC National Diploma in Planning, Surveying and Cartography or BTEC National Diploma in Land Administration (Planning) and an aggregate of at least four years relevant experience*. The four years' experience may include up to three years relevant full time study

To be shortlisted for this role all applicants MUST meet the essential criteria. If you are interested please upload your CV to the link provided, and Christine Thompson will be in contact to confirm if you have been shortlisted.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Staffline regardless if you already have a valid certificate.