Head of Development Management

Carrington West are assisting their London local authority client in the search for a Development Management Manager to join on an initial 6 month contract (Then rolling).
 
We are seeking an experienced interim manager to provide leadership to the Development Management and Enforcement functions of the Council to make a significant contribution to the positive growth and regeneration of the Borough through the innovative and practical application of development management skills. To ensure that growth and regeneration in the Borough is delivered in line with the Council's Local Plan and associated documents.
 
Corporate Leadership
·Responsible for setting the strategic direction and tactical operation for your service.
·Responsible for producing and delivering the service plan for your service and monitoring its delivery to align with both corporate and directorate aims and priorities.
·Responsible for establishing, developing and keeping under review the structures, procedures and working methods for your service to ensure an integrated, effective and efficient approach to the delivery of services and to maximise the use of new technology to both improve services and generate efficiency savings.
 
Planning
·Keep abreast of legislation, case law, current national and local policies and guidance to offer sound professional and technical advice and guidance to all parties, including the applicants and landowners.
·To lead on and provide professional and technical expertise on the determination of planning and related applications.
·Work in a positive and proactive manner that supports and facilitates the delivery of positive outcomes on planning applications, whilst also ensuring consistency with the wider corporate aspirations of the Council, and demonstrate a respect for the views of the local community.
·Oversee negotiations to secure council objectives on infrastructure arrangements and delivery, through the appropriate use of Section 106 contributions and controls, alongside the Community Infrastructure Levy.
·To coordinate and oversee activities related to the Planning Committee, ensure appropriate support is in place for Neighbourhood
·Committees, and to attend other Council committees, panels and meetings as required.
·To promote the Development Management Service and contribute and assist in achieving income targets in relation to the Council's Pre-Application Service, expedited services and the delivery of schemes through Planning Performance Agreements.
·Responsible for the efficient processing of appeals to the Planning Inspectorate within the Development Management and Planning Enforcement functions and defend the Council's decisions.
·Exercise delegated authority for decision making where required and within the scope of the Council's Scheme of Delegation.
 
The experience you will bring
·Recent experience of managing staff in development management, allocating cases, establishing and monitoring work programmes for the team
·Experience of working in a Local Authority and comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation and Development Management procedures, dealing with a full range of complex development management issues
·Detailed understanding of government and council polices, practices and procedures
·Experience in delivering major planning applications, providing robust pre-application advice and preparing and presenting evidence for appeals
·Able to form reasoned and balanced judgements. Ability to meet tight deadlines and time manage both own and a team's work to prioritise conflicting demands
·Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field
 
Experience in a similar position is necessary. It would be beneficial to hold a Post-graduate degree in planning, regeneration or a related discipline, and have the eligibility for membership of RTPI.
 
Carrington West Pay Rate - Approx £650per/day (DOE)
Job Ref - 61471
 
Please call Cameron de Wit on (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion on this role, or email myself or our planning team if you are short of time to chat:
(url removed)
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Carrington West's dedicated Town Planning Recruitment Team supply clients UK wide on both a permanent and contract basis and all levels of seniority. If this role is too senior, too junior or in a location that is unsuitable, but you are keen on options, please still feel free to apply and we can discuss other, often unadvertised roles with you.