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