ROYAL BOROUGH OF KINGSTON UPON THAMES
DIRECTORATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
JOB DESCRIPTION
Service Area:
Development Management/Strategic
Planning & Sustainability
Job Title:
Career Grade Planner (Level 1)
Grade:
D-G
Post Number: 000678
RELATIONSHIPS
1
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Relevant Lead Officer or Group Manager
2
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
FOR:
N/A
3
IMPORTANT INTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS
 Fellow professionals and managers within the service area
 Key Managers and staff in related services and directorates
 Relevant Administrative support staff
 Contact Centre
 Elected Members
4
IMPORTANT EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS
 All relevant partner organisations with whom the Council is seeking to, or does, do
business
 Customers and their representative groups
 Developers/Contractors and their professional representatives
 Statutory and other national and regional bodies
 Professional associations and networking groups
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB


To work with relevant officers within the service on a range of professional activities
and projects, in line with service priorities
To work with relevant officers within the Development Management and Strategic
Planning & Sustainability Services on all aspects of development control and
spatial planning work. This includes planning applications, related appeals and
enforcement activity, area-based planning strategies, planning briefs and other
projects, the preparation and monitoring of the Local Development Framework,
supplementary planning guidance and other policies, and supporting Urban Design
and Conservation activity.
Prepared by: ………………………………… Agreed by: ………………………………
Signature Date: .....................................
Signature Date: ………………………….
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES OF JOB
Customer
 Working closely with colleagues in the Contact Centre and other services,
deliver excellent levels of customer services for the benefits of local
communities and the reputation of the Council
Operations & Technical
Development Control
 To process applications for planning permission, listed building and
conservation area consent applications, and applications for consent to display
advertisements.
 To undertake all necessary consultations, site visits, appraisal of proposals and
negotiations with applicants and objectors on planning and other applications.
 To prepare reports on planning and other applications.
 To undertake investigation of complaints about alleged planning contraventions.
 To prepare statements for Written Representation Appeals (Planning and
Enforcement) and to assist or undertake the preparation and presentation of
evidence at Public Inquiries and Hearings.
Projects
 To contribute to the development of area-based strategies, planning and urban
design site briefs and other Supplementary Planning Documents and to
engaging the public in their production.
 To help process significant applications for planning permission and assist in
the preparation and presentation of evidence.
 To prepare committee reports and other papers and assist in their presentation.
 To assist in other planning and development projects and research and
analysis as required.
Planning Policy
 To assist with the preparation of the Local Development Framework and other
planning policy documents dealing with specific areas, topics or
Neighbourhoods.
 To contribute to the necessary programme of survey, analysis, and policy
generation associated with the preparation of planning policies.
 To assist with public participation exercises.
 To contribute to monitoring of the development of the Borough and
Neighbourhoods and prepare related statistics.
 To give advice on the policy implications of planning applications.
Performance
 Works with manager to agree performance objectives
 Plans and prioritises own work to meet deadlines
 Contributes ideas to support the development of team service plan
General
 To develop, update and act on own personal development plan, and be ready
to share learning with others
 To work in accordance with RBK‘s Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety,
relevant policies and legislation
 Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post, as may be required
from time to time.
Appointment and progression through the scheme will depend on an individual
meeting the criteria set out in the progression scheme, as determined through
the performance appraisal process.
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KINGSTON UPON THAMES
- an equal opportunities employer
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Development Management/Strategic Planning and Sustainability
Job Title: Career Grade Planner (Level 1)
Post No:
Grade: D/G
This person specification reflects the entry requirements for this post and should be
read in conjunction with the career progression scheme which shows further criteria
required at each grading level.
Essential
Qualifications:

Refer to progression scheme
Experience:

Refer to progression scheme
Ability to:
Partnering for Excellence
 Build strong working relationships
with people outside of their team
 Work effectively with
representatives of external partner
organisations
Putting the Customer First
 Seek to understand the needs and
expectations of internal and
external customers
 Make realistic promises and
commitments and delivers on
these
Being the Best
 Demonstrate a positive attitude and
approach to work
 Is flexible and adaptable to
changing goals and circumstances
 Manage time and prioritises work to
maximise productivity and
effectiveness
Effective Communications
 Present a positive and
professional image of self and
RBK when communicating
 Present ideas and views with
confidence and clarity
 Write fluently and succinctly using
appropriate style
Working together
 Contribute to a positive team spirit
and healthy working environment
 Appreciate the demands on team
Desirable
colleagues and willingly provides
them with support
 Demonstrate integrity, fairness and
a high level of respect for others
Using Technology
 Use proficient IT skills including
Microsoft Office applications
 Recognise the benefits and the
potential of new technology in
relation to your service
Knowledge of:



Other
Requirements:

Understanding of the role and
purpose of the planning function
within a local authority
Broad understanding of the
external influences on the
organisation and how they relate
to the role
Knowledge of the vision and
strategic goals of the
organisation, Directorate and
service
Able to carry out site inspections
and visits as required