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The Planning and Development Area Manager will serve as the lead officer for two out of four Area Planning Committees, managing teams of development management officers focused on delivering high-quality development in Somerset. The role entails reporting to the Head of Service, deputising for the Service Manager, and ensuring exemplary service performance that meets national/legal requirements while addressing the needs of various stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the two development management area teams, ensuring a customer-focused approach in determining planning applications.
- Assist the Service Manager in overseeing the Development Management Service and coordinating with internal and external consultees.
- Manage applications from the pre-application stage through to implementation, ensuring compliance with client policies.
- Drive the teams to exceed performance targets and enhance income through application fees.
- Act as the lead professional officer at Area Planning Committees to support sound decision-making aligned with client objectives, including climate change and affordable housing.
- Deputise for senior management, supporting complex applications and engaging with senior officials and members.
- Prepare and present clear reports and recommendations for Area Committees, ensuring legal and procedural compliance.
- Represent the client in public inquiries, informal hearings, and court, addressing complaints and enquiries as needed.
- Directly manage and mentor Principal Planning Officers, focusing on team performance and individual welfare.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of statutory regulations relating to planning and related functions (including environmental legislation and regulations
- Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools
Experience
- Operational and managerial experience of the delivery of local authority planning services, development management functions and team leadership.
- Experience in designing and implementing service transformation processes to deliver service change and improvement.
- Significant experience in leading, managing and developing a large team and service area.
- Significant experience in performance management in the corporate context and external accountabilities.
- Experience in providing professional advice on complex and controversial applications to planning committees.
- Knowledge of providing strategic input to wider place-based policy development and strategy.
- Experience of giving evidence at Public Inquiries/Development Plan Examination.
- Significant experience in handling customer complaints and enquiries.
- Qualifications / Registrations / Certifications
- Educated to degree level, ideally in planning, geography or a related subject.
- Chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or eligible to be a member.
- Management qualification ILM 5 or higher.
- Evidence of continual professional development is required by the requirements of the professional institute.
Skills
- Able to advise/guide senior management and elected members on complex/specialist issues related to the planning service areas, spanning local casework, service performance and long-term strategic planning.
- Resilient by nature and have excellent communication skills, due to the significant portions of their time they spend interacting with the public, statutory consultees, stakeholders and elected representatives.
- Ability to provide professional advice and guidance
- Attention to detail in checking decisions
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner organisations
- Good interpersonal skills and a team player
