Job profile

We are looking to recruit a suitably qualified, experienced and highly motivated individual to join the Council's Development Management Service on a permanent, full-time basis.

The successful candidate will primarily be responsible for processing major and complex planning applications and EIA developments and will also act as the LPA’s case officer for Developments of National Significance (DNS) and Significant Infrastructure Projects, involving large scale infrastructure developments, including renewable energy, waste, water and transport projects. 

The post offers a range of diverse professional challenges but also the ability to make a real impact on key strategic developments across the county, including housing, employment, renewable energies, infrastructure and other growth opportunities. So if you’re passionate about making a tangible impact on the future of our county then we want to hear from you.

On a day to day basis you will:

• assist with the delivery of a professional planning service, by sensitively managing land usage and development in the County
• provide pre-application advice to developers and advise on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements
• manage multi-disciplinary stakeholder engagement with developers, statutory consultees, Welsh Government, Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) and local communities
• process applications for planning permission, most notably major and complex planning applications and EIA developments
• act as case officer for Developments of National Significance (DNS) / Significant Infrastructure Projects and ensure that all the LPA’s responsibilities, including the preparation of Local Impact Reports (LIR’s) and other documents, are carried out to a high standard and on time
• defend planning decisions at appeal, including at hearings and public inquiries
• undertake the efficient and effective investigation of breaches of planning control and legislation within the County and utilise appropriate enforcement interventions as necessary

and;

• provide mentoring, supervision and guidance to colleagues within the Planning Service, as well as the delivery of training to said staff as and when required

We are looking to recruit an individual:

• with a degree, postgraduate qualification or equivalent in Town and Country Planning or related discipline
• with chartered membership (or eligibility) of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
• with comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience of working in the Development Management sector and with a proven track record of managing and processing major planning applications
• with an ability to communicate impartially and effectively with a wide range of people at various levels
• who has an ability to produce high-quality written reports
• who has an ability to organise their own workload and work within agreed timeframes to maintain high quality decision making at speed and to achieve set deadlines and targets

and;

• who has a strong commitment to providing a high-quality service to the public

The post requires a degree of fluency in the Welsh language. Please note that the successful applicant without the required Welsh language skill will be fully supported to reach the required standard within two years of appointment.

We believe work-life balance is very important. To support you in achieving this, you will have access to the following discretionary benefits:

• Hybrid Working: Subject to certain conditions being met, you may choose to work from home or in an office location.
• Flexi-time: Hours may be worked within a defined bandwidth, Monday to Friday, subject to service needs.

You may also find further useful information on our careers website. Here you will find details in relation to what we can offer and what type of lifestyle you can expect. Indeed, Ceredigion is recognised as one of the safest places to live and work, with vibrant culture, excellent schools and beautiful coastlines and rolling countryside.

Job Description and Person Specification

The Planning Service

For an informal discussion, please contact Catrin Newbold (Service Manager – Development Management) on Tel: (01545) 572131.

Note: We reserve the right to extend the application closing date.