Job Introduction
Introduction
This unique and fantastic opportunity which allows a suitable applicant to progress towards becoming a qualified planner. This Chartered Town Planner Apprenticeship post is a job within the planning sector which enables a suitable applicant to work and study at the same time. The successful completion of the apprenticeship will give you professional recognition and status as a qualified planner. A suitable applicant will become a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) having gained practical experience in the workplace and passed an RTPI accredited degree, which could broaden opportunities within the planning profession.
Role Purpose
To assist with the delivery of the Council’s Planning Enforcement Service in accordance with Government guidance and legislation. Responsible for managing a case load, providing technical and administration support to the planning enforcement team. To undertake a variety of planning related tasks, ensuring positive planning outcomes, making sure planning legislation and policy is adhered to, effectively safeguarding the local environment in a timely fashion.
Main Responsibilities
- To investigate minor planning enquiries and complaints to a conclusion in accordance with statutory, national and local requirements.
- To research and compile information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources to inform site history checks for officers within the enforcement team.
- Respond to enquiries both from internal and external customers, including timely responses to consultations to varying licence application types from internal BCP departments.
- To prepare documents of varying complexity.
- Respond to paid applications for historic condition compliance checks and to confirm the discharge of planning conditions.
- To provide support to officers with the assessment and determination of enforcement matters, and prepare legal and appeal documents as required.
- Monitor the planning enforcement team inbox, register, allocate and initially respond to enforcement investigations received.
- To maintain the statutory enforcement register for BCP Council;
- Deliver an effective and appropriate service to all service users, and ensure all work is carried out to meet defined performance indicators.
- To represent the Council where appropriate in a professional manner that safeguards the reputation of the Council; promoting a positive perception of the service and developing a culture of providing excellent customer care to all service users.
- To establish and maintain credible and effective working relationships, both internally and with external organisations.
- To undertake any other duties from time to time commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.
The Ideal Candidate
- Interested in Planning and the Environment
- High level of resilience, attention to detail, calm under pressure, ability to demonstrate self-awareness as well as the ability to perceive, use, understand, manage and handle all types of different situations, some which can be difficult or contentious.
- Ability to interpret complex technical detail with advanced analytical skill.
- Superb interpersonal and communication skills and must be self-motivated.
- Ability to deliver work to tight deadlines and be flexible in managing workloads.
- Good negotiating skills and an ability to find positive and practical solutions to problems.
- Ability to work both alone and within a team, demonstrating excellent teamwork skills
- Excellent oral, written and presentational communication skills.
- IT literate and experience in using Microsoft Office suite tools, computer data base programs, Internet applications, and GIS.
Specific Qualifications and Experience
- A first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject; or a lower second-class honours degree where relevant planning and development experience can be demonstrated, and English and Maths Level 2 equivalent to GCSE A*-C or 9-4
- Must be eligible to join the Apprenticeship scheme in England
- A proven ability to communicate effectively and professionally, particularly via the telephone with service stakeholders.
- A proven ability to handle customer complaints.
- Desirable relevant previous experience in a planning environment.
- Desirable experience of working in a public service providing industry.
Please refer to the Job Description to assist filling in your online application form and to note the qualification requirements for this post.
For any informal discussion, please contact Mrs Pip Williams Enforcement Manager on 01202 817597 or Maddison Paget, Senior Enforcement Officer on 01202 138295
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
We offer an excellent benefits package to colleagues. Find out more on our website
As a result of the creation of BCP Council in 2019, we are working on simplifying our terms and conditions of service and will be creating a single pay structure which is to be applicable for all employees. It is important to us that we offer benefits that our colleagues value as part of their total employment package and we are reviewing these to make sure we have it right. We are in the process of establishing a timescale for implementation and colleagues joining us will be included in these changes. This is expected to be in place in 2024 or early 2025.