Planning Policy Team Leader

Job Category : Housing, Benefits & Planning

Location : Reigate and Banstead Borough Council

Hours Per Week : 36.00

Start Date : Immediate Start

Start Time : 09:00

End Time : 17:00
Salary: £23.92

General description of role

To lead the Planning Policy Team and manage various work in connection with the Council’s Local

Plan.

Top ten duties / responsibilities of role

1. To lead the Planning Policy Team and manage the production, maintenance and monitoring

of the Council’s Local Development Scheme and Local Plan documents for the borough in

accordance with statutory procedures and best practice, ensuring coordination with the

corporate policy direction, the work of other services and the Council’s other plans and

programmes.

2. To commission surveys, studies or other specialist services as needed and manage such

projects effectively.

3. To provide written and verbal evidence to Local Plan examinations and public inquiries.

4. To ensure that the duty to cooperate is fulfilled, including engagement with other local

authorities on their development plans, and to promote the interests of the Council in cross

boundary strategic planning work.

5. To be responsible for the briefing of senior management, the Portfolio Holder and other

Executive and non-Executive Councillors, in relation to planning policy activities, including

the preparation and presentation of reports.

6. To advise stakeholders and the general public in relation to planning policy matters and to

deliver effective community engagement in the production of planning policy documents.

7. To provide oversight of the provision of planning policy advice on planning applications, and

responses to planning policy consultations from Government, Government agencies, and

other organisations as appropriate.

8. To lead the Planning Policy Team, supervise, develop and appraise staff, to help them

understand and undertake their roles.

9. Assist the Development Manager with the management of the Planning Policy budget and

maintenance of an up-to-date business plan for the service.

10. To be committed to continuing professional development, keeping informed of best

practice, relevant legislation and current planning issues, and to implement service changes

and improvements accordingly.

Qualifications

A degree in Town Planning or equivalent

qualification E

Membership of RTPI or eligible for membership E

Experience and achievements

Significant experience of planning policy and

development plan preparation E

Local Government experience P

Experience of giving evidence at Local Plan

examinations and/or public inquiries E

Experience of team management E

Experience of project management and managing

consultants E

Comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of

planning legislation, policy and guidance E

Good understanding of relevant software packages


Excellent written and verbal communication skills E

Ability to prioritise and programme the work of the

team to meet deadlines E

Self-motivated and proactive E

Excellent people management skills E

Ability to think and act strategically E

Commitment to continuing professional development E

Corporately required personal qualities and behaviours

Innovative E

Supportive E

Flexible E

Positive E

Special requirements

Full driving licence 

Ability to work outside office hours to attend Council

meetings and other events