Hastings, East Sussex (Hybrid)
Permanent, Full time
No DBS check required
£25,119 to £34,834
37 hours
Sector: Planning (Development Management)
Hastings Borough Council
Planning Officer
Career Grade: 8 - 6 SCP 9 – 26
Salary: £25,119 to £34,834
In addition: Staff allowance of £1,959
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Our Offer
This role comes with:
The Role
We have an exciting opportunity to join our Planning Services Team. As a Planning Officer you will be assessing planning applications, advising on pre- applications and defending us at appeal. With excellent communication skills you’ll assume responsibility for effective negotiation and resolution, supporting growth and regeneration that reflects the Council’s wider positive objectives and policies of promoting high quality and innovative development while protecting the environment and conserving the historic character of the Borough.
We’d love it if you have relevant planning experience and qualifications, but if you don’t you can still apply as we would be happy to train you. The important thing is that you have a passion for making the town the best it can be.
Full details of the role can be found in the attached job description. We are keen to support your training and personal development and which includes flexible working and home working.
Who are we?
With world class coast, countryside, a thriving artist quarter in the Old Town, outstanding architecture, a variety of unique boutiques, cafes, restaurants and pubs, not to mention 1,000 years of history, Hastings is a popular place to live and visit. Competitive house prices, good schools, beautiful parks, an attractive environment, an outstanding community spirit and a determination to continue to evolve makes a move to Hastings a very positive investment into your future.
In June 2021, Hastings Borough Council was awarded £24.3m from the Government’s Towns Fund. This will kick start the re-set button for Hastings and its regeneration ambitions. Hastings’ £24.3m investment includes a new green and low carbon Centre of Excellence that will provide new commercial space while also helping the town seize the opportunities of the emerging green economy. It will also boost the town’s tourism offer through improvements to Hastings Castle, the first Norman castle built by William the Conqueror in 1067, and other public spaces.
Who are you?
Whilst we welcome applications from existing planners, we are equally keen to encourage applications from people who may not have experience of working in a Planning Team or hold relevant qualifications. Perhaps you are looking for a change of direction in your career.
What we are looking for is someone with a passion for the built environment, what your town looks like and how it benefits the community. You will be someone who wants to become involved in the shaping of our town in a sustainable way, enabling growth whilst protecting the natural environment and quality of life for residents.
You will be able to understand and assess plans and drawings and clearly communicate your assessment and conclusions both verbally and through accurate and concise reports. You will be comfortable in making detailed site visits to assess planning applications and dealing with customers face to face and via correspondence. You’ll have the ability to work under your own initiative making recommendations on planning applications. You will be able to project manage your work to meet Council and Government targets. You will be able to work in difficult, pressured and potentially confrontational situations and remain calm.
You’ll have a basic understanding of the planning system and planning law, both locally and at national level. The Plain English Guide to the Planning System helps to explain the Planning System, paragraphs 43 onwards being more relevant to this role.
This job is suited to someone:
You’ll have excellent communication and customer-care skills, the ability to work flexibly, as part of a busy and high performing team. If you don’t have a qualification but would like to pursue learning opportunities, we will support you by providing the relevant training to help you develop in your role and further progress your career, up to and including degree level.
Full details of the qualification and experience required for the roles can be found in the attached job description
If you have any questions you can call Eleanor Evans on (01424) 783251 or email (eevans@hastings.gov.uk). We have a welcoming and friendly team so if you think this role could be for you we would love to hear from you.
Closing Date for applications : 7th November 2024 @ 12:00pm
Staff_competency_framework.pdf
Planning_Officer_JD_12_09_2024_amended.pdf