West Suffolk Council has a strong reputation for forward-thinking and innovation and is currently undertaking an ambitious investment and development programme to support economic and housing growth in the area, as well as actively pursuing opportunities to generate revenue to support the delivery of services. Planning is a high profile and often contentious service area. It unlocks growth, contributes significantly towards our corporate objectives and strives to protect and improve the built and natural environment of West Suffolk.
As a key member of the Planning team, you will be assisting with the delivery of an effective and efficient Planning Service.
Within the team we have a strong supportive and learning culture. The team consists of training Planning Officers, qualified Planning Officers, Senior Planning Officers, Principle Planners as well as technical support and apprentices.
You will be expected to deal independently with a range of complex planning applications, including those for major development, as well as providing formal mentoring and sign off responsibility for more junior planning officers.
We are looking for enthusiastic, confident and solutions focused individuals with a flexible approach to work and a ‘can do’ attitude to join us. You will have excellent administration, communication and IT skills. The ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, be organised, with an attention to detail and accuracy are all essential as well as being a team player. Site visits are required in a large rural area and so the suitable candidates will need to hold a current driving licence and/or the ability to travel around West Suffolk.
This is temporary for up to 12 months and could be a great secondment opportunity for someone who is already a Senior or someone who is a qualified and experienced Planning Officer and wishes to develop their skills as a Senior.
We would also welcome applications from those who have just qualified and wish to develop skills as a career development opportunity.
If you have the right attitude and embrace the opportunities that working in such a dynamic environment brings, then we can offer you a fascinating, challenging, dynamic, supported and always interesting workplace here in West Suffolk. In addition, our benefits package includes a generous pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, learning and development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and discounts on supermarkets and high street shops, cashback on holidays, cycle to work scheme and money off household bills and much more.
If this is a challenge that you are interested in, we would like to hear from you.
For further information or an informal chat please contact Sarah Drane or Dave Beighton, Principal Planning Officer on 01638 719432 / 01638 719470 or email sarah.drane@westsuffolk.gov.uk/dave.beighton@westsuffolk.gov.uk
Interview date: Monday 20th and /or Tuesday 21st April
Job Description
Person Specification
Core Values
A home is more than just a roof over someone’s head – it’s where individuals and families find their security, safety and stability. Working in this team gives you the chance to be part of tackling what is one of the biggest challenges in our society: the challenge to help people find a home and retain a home.
This is an exciting time to become part of a team that makes such a difference and transforms lives, working for an organisation that is at the forefront of innovative thinking in the public sector.
Your duties will include providing a first point of contact for Housing Options Service customers by phone this will include initial assessment of circumstances, housing options, advice and assistance. You will also liaise with and advise statutory and voluntary agencies on homelessness and a range of other housing issues.
You must have experience of working with the general public, be a team player with well developed communication and written skills and be able to understand and implement housing law and policies. Knowledge of housing options and homelessness is essential.
You must also be able to travel throughout the area.
In return we can offer you our benefits package which includes discounts on supermarkets and high street shops, cashback on holidays, and money off household bills, together with a competitive salary and pension scheme. Our flexible working arrangements, learning and development opportunities and generous annual leave entitlement with an option to buy additional leave.