The role

This role has an excitingly broad remit, and its portfolio of responsibilities means that there’s always something interesting or innovative going on. We are particularly proud of our culture, which is rooted in a deft, skilful partnership approach to influencing change.

Working closely with the Head of Strategic Planning, the postholder is key to steering the implementation of key planning policies through the planning process from pre-application to approval. The addition of other regulatory services means that the postholder is also responsible for a range of closely related areas that include:

• Development Management/Control
• Building Control
• Local Land & Property Gazetteer
• Community Infrastructure Levy Collection
• Planning Enforcement
• Land Charges
• Food safety
• External Health and Safety
• Trading Standards
• Environmental Health and Protection
• Private Sector Housing Standards
• HMO Licensing
• Licensing (shared service with Sevenoaks DC)

Working closely with a range of colleagues and partners, and with frequent exposure to elected members and the Planning Committee on which you would be lead Officer, you must have both credibility and the fluency to provide timely, accurate advice that contributes to sound decision-making. You will be a highly flexible leader, capable of taking on a very broad range of responsibilities, with conflicting priorities and timescales. Sound judgement – which includes making quick decisions, but also knowing when to escalate an issue – is a must.

Candidates must be qualified planners, ideally with a background in development management, and will be eligible for membership of the RTPI. Whether you are an experienced senior professional, or at an earlier stage of your career, it will be essential that you are able to manage a number of high-performing, expert teams. An understanding of legislation, enforcement and prosecutions will be essential.