Planning Senior Technical Officer

Overview

As the Planning and Development Service, we provide an efficient, high-quality, and customer-focused planning service to Buckinghamshire residents. 

We are a supportive, close-knit team. You will assist with planning technical support, processing new applications and public comments, managing initial advice requests, providing general planning guidance, and handling document management.

This is a permanent position in the Wycombe Team

About us

Three technical services teams offer planning support in the provision of a wide range of planning services.  The teams currently cover different geographic Buckinghamshire Council areas:

• North & Central area (based in Aylesbury),
• West area (based in High Wycombe), and,
• East and South area (based in High Wycombe).

Over the next 12 months we are embarking on a project to harmonise our back-office IT systems, so we can reorganise on a “task” focused rather than “area” basis.

These post are based in our office at Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe, but can offer an opportunity for some flexible working; up to 3 working from home subject to business needs and personal circumstances. 

The posts operate across the Buckinghamshire Council area and so attendance may also be required at one of our Aylesbury Offices from time to time.

About the role

The detail of the post is set out in the Job Description. 

As one of the largest Unitary Planning Authorities in the country the work is extremely varied and offers great opportunity for continuous learning and development.

The role will include:

• Vetting planning application submissions,
• Working with planning officers to ensure that planning applications are efficiently processed.
• Delivering, or supporting the delivery of, the many discretionary planning services designed to provide assistance and excellent value for money to our customers.
• Assisting in the processing of planning appeals, including public inquiries.

About you

We seek someone with strong customer skills, experience of the planning system, great attention to detail, proactive in meeting deadlines, and who enjoys challenging yet rewarding work.

Other information

Please see the attached job summary for further information on this role and person specification.

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office during the week, depending on your role and team requirements.

Interview date:  week commencing 9th December 2024

Interview-type/process: In person

If you would like to have an informal conversation with the recruiting manager, please contact: Planning Technical Team Leader: Khawar Asif at [email protected].

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• Unspent convictions and/or unspent conditional cautions only

For further information on how long it takes for convictions and conditional cautions to be spent, please refer to Nacro’s guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire.  We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.

 Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.

 It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. We also offer a salary sacrifice personal car lease scheme and the opportunity to gain membership to Costco. We have discounted gym memberships, Travel discounts with Arriva and Chiltern Railways and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/