Senior Planner

Job Title: Senior Planner - Development Management

Location of post: The Quays, Brunel Way, Briton Ferry, Neath SA11 2GG

Your workstyle will be an agile hybrid worker in this role which gives you the flexibility to work from home and from a variety of Council workplaces.

(This role operates on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.)

About the role:

We are looking for a Senior Planner to join our Development Management team and gain significant experience of working within a progressive authority within our expanding team.

These are exciting times in Neath Port Talbot. There is lots to do with innovative and ground-breaking initiatives to be part of. Over the next few years we will be dealing with a huge range of applications including Development of National Significance, those related to the delivery of Freeports, off shore wind and our transition to a green sustainable industrial future in Port Talbot.

We deal with a wide variety of residential, commercial, leisure, energy and other exciting developments, offering you a great opportunity to gain or build upon your experience or knowledge which we believe is unique in the region.

If you are highly motivated and already very experienced in delivering high quality development quickly and wish to be part of our expanding team, where you can shape services that really deliver for residents and customers, we want to hear from you.

The main duties of the post:

• Responsibility for a personal caseload of controversial, complex and/or strategically important planning and related applications or enforcement cases including consultations, negotiation with applicants and stakeholders, site appraisals and the preparation of complex reports and recommendations.

• To negotiate the delivery of planning obligations in accordance with National and Local policies as defined in the Local Development Plan and Supplementary Planning Guidance.

• Responsibility for processing and representing the Council in respect of controversial, complex and/or strategically important planning and enforcement appeals, including the preparation of appeal statements, attendance at site visits and giving evidence at hearings and public inquiries.

• To work with the Team Leader to provide day-to-day guidance and supervision to less experienced officers / assistants to assist them with their duties.

• To be part of the Panel of Officers reviewing Officer recommendations on those applications / matters brought before the Delegated Panel.

• To participate in the work of improving the Development Management Service and to deputise for the appropriate Team Leader as may be required.

About you:

Do you have:

• Development Management and Appeals experience.

• Expertise / experience in assessing or preparing applications for planning permission, including applications for larger and more complex development schemes.

• Can demonstrate an excellent understanding of the relationship between development management, enforcement, planning policy and other material considerations.

• The ability to manage complex work programmes, meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively

You will hold:

• A planning qualification to RTPI standard, or equivalent Development Management experience

About us:

We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.

Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.

• Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
• Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 15.3% employer pension contribution
• Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
• Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
• Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
• Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact Chris Davies by email

Email: [email protected]

DBS requirements:

This post is not subject to a DBS check

Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adultsand expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employeesare equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.

The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.

Welsh Language Requirements:

Welsh language skills are desirable

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.

We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.

We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.

Salary: £42,123 - £46,579 per annum. Grade 9 (Plus Market Supplement)