The Planning Associate is a key member of staff, providing professional written and verbal planning advice and opinion to both clients and other members of the BoonBrown team as required to ensure that company projects navigate the planning system smoothly.

Responsibilities

• The preparation of a varied range of complex/major planning applications, including outline, full and reserved matters applications, prior notifications, certificate of lawful use, discharge of planning obligations, including writing supporting documents such as planning statements and statements of community involvement etc (and overseeing the drafting of such documents by the Planning Consultant or Planning Assistant).
• Responsibility for project management of the aforementioned planning applications, including liaison with the client, all members of the consultant team, local planning authority, third parties and other stakeholders in the planning process.
• Attending and speaking at public meetings on behalf of the client, such as parish council meetings, local authority committee meetings and public consultation events.  Public meetings are often held outside of normal working hours, in the evening and, the successful applicant will be expected to attend such meetings where reasonable.
• Preparation and submission of planning appeals via written representations, informal hearing or public inquiry, including writing appeal statements and attending hearings and inquires as expert witness.
• Strategic site promotion and submission of representations to local planning authorities in relation to emerging planning policy documents.
• Resolution of planning enforcement matters.
• Attending site visits/meetings to undertake assessments on development opportunities and the preparation of feasibility reports or written advice.
• Preparation of fee proposals and pro-actively pursuing new work.
• Providing assistance and mentoring to the Planning Consultant and Planning Assistant.
• Assisting and deputising for the Planning Directors in the day-to-day management of the Town Planning Team.

Requirements

• A degree in town planning and membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
• At least five years post qualification experience either in the private sector or local government (preferably within development – management).
• A valid UK driving licence.
• A successful track record in the preparation and management of all types of planning applications and appeals.
• A competent understanding of planning law, practice and policy and its application within the planning system.
• A sound knowledge of the processes and protocols of local planning authorities and planning inspectorate.
• The ability to work as part of a team, including mentoring of more junior staff and an initiative for lone working when required.
• An on-going record of Continuing Professional Development.
• IT competency.
• A professional manner and personal appearance.

Benefits

• A competitive salary, dependent on skills and experience.
• Pension scheme.
• Discretionary bonus scheme.
• Flexible working hours.
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays.

How to apply

Applicants should send a CV to our Town Planning Director, Matt Frost at the following email address: matt.frost@boonbrown.com