Deputy Area Planning Manager

Would you like to be a part of The London Borough of Hounslow, whose diverse workforce are committed to making a positive difference for our residents and visitors by ensuring the quality of our services are maintained to a high standard?

The Council is embarking upon a major programme of change to modernise the way we work and reduce our carbon footprint. In April 2019 we moved to Hounslow House, a new landmark building located in Hounslow town centre, our new technology will enable staff to work remotely and flexibly to improve the service we provide to residents and to help our staff achieve a better work/life balance.

About the Team:

Hounslow are looking for a Deputy Area Planning Manager to join their award winning Development Management Team. The team are currently working on two opportunity areas and a wealth of planning applications critical to the social and economic wellbeing of the borough. We have high housing targets to achieve, new schools to place children in and need to create opportunities for employers who want to be in our well located borough. This must be balanced against acting on the boroughs Climate Emergency and with Green Belt, listed buildings, conservation areas and River Thames frontage that need protecting. All this needs to be delivered while playing a crucial supporting role delivering the boroughs partnerships and values.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Without supervision, to lead on delivering development schemes from conception through the planning process which are of strategic importance, with high political sensitivity and critical to delivering financial obligations of the Council.

2. Assisting the team leader in the management of team workload, including case allocation and management, advising on planning issues, signing off applications and pre application advice and delegation of day to day responsibilities.

3. To support organisational change ensuring the appropriate systems of performance and development, communications, equality impact assessment, monitoring and review are in place.

4. Responsibility for managing and mentoring 5 career grade planning officers, including administering the PDA process, probation, co – coordinating leave and associated HR processes. To provide advice and guidance on all planning matters up to a significant level of complexity, strategic importance and high controversy.

Your Skills:

1. Ability to effectively manage a team to a high level. Prioritise own work and that of the team and to delegate effectively. Ability to prepare and present the Council's case at Planning Committee, Public Inquiries, under oath on court or similar forums

2. Very strong proven ability to prepare clear, concise and accurate written reports, statements, and other correspondence, and to monitor and mentor more the team.

3. Very strong ability to provide clear and expert professional advice on planning issues for Members, officers of other departments and the public

4. Very strong ability to lead and complete effective negotiations, in particular planning applications and relevant legal agreements, Ability to lead on major and complex documents.

Essential for The Role:

• Degree/Diploma in Town Planning or equivalent
• Eligibility for membership of RTPI

If you would like an informal conversation regarding the position please contact Matthew Rees on 020 8583 6623 or email: Matthew.rees@hounslow.gov.uk

Closing date: 17 October 2021

Interviews will be held in W/C 18^th October 2021.