Primary Job Purpose

Pro-actively manage the planning function within the Midlands Division as well as (where required) provide advice, support and assistance to the Group Planning function (The Planning Bureau)

Key Responsibilities

• To review emerging planning policy and guidance and associated documents at all levels to advise the Company of its ramifications and make submissions on the Company’s behalf as to its content in liaison with Group Communications in respect of National Planning Policy.
• Manage all planning activities within the Midlands Division including;
• Preparation and submission of minor applications relating to a development
• Preparation and submission of the major application for a proposed development
• Preparing information and evidence in respect of housing need for a given area
• Carrying out policy checks and feasibility reports for potential site acquisitions.
• Attendance at meetings, planning committees, pre and post application public consultations.
• As necessary assist wider Divisional Development Team in any post Contract planning issues (discharge of planning conditions, enforcement action etc.)
• To review and advise on proposed financial levies on development (Community Infrastructure Levy or similar) and to advise the Company of its ramifications and make submissions as to its content including viability modelling.
• Coordinate with Viability Assessors to instruct financial viability assessment, coordinating internal information as required.
• Assisting the Appeals Team with the organisation and management of strategy meetings, minuting meetings and undertaking and monitoring actions arising from those meetings.
• Preparing information and evidence for planning appeals to include site research, collation of evidence and backup information as required.
• Play an active role in monthly Design, Land and Planning meetings to provide expert advice on both current and potential development sites.
• Working with Appeals Manager / Director assist with submission of planning appeals.
• To work with all Planning, Head Office and Divisional staff, Divisional Design and Land personnel, Appeal Team members, external consultants and Local Planning Authorities.
• To work with, liaise and participate in working parties etc. with external groups such as HBF, Retirement Housing Group, Three Dragons, HCA, other house building companies as and when necessary.
• Responsible for instructing and managing external consultants, on specific issues/proposals as and when necessary, ensuring information is delivered in-line with budget and programme.
• Always fully comply with McCarthy and Stone’s policies and procedures.
• Undertake such other reasonable duties, commensurate with the job holder’s experience and qualifications, as may be required for the smooth operation of the business.


 

Other general responsibilities

• Maintain standards and consistency by keeping up to date and operating within the latest defined standard specifications, using the approved documentation, process, systems and source information to ensure consistent and effective performance
• Always fully comply with McCarthy & Stone’s policies and procedures
• Actively engage and collaboratively manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Undertake such other reasonable duties, commensurate with the job holder’s experience and qualifications as smooth running of the business may be required

Job Description: Senior Planning Associate – January 2019

Health and Safety

Your Health and Safety responsibilities are to:

• take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of any person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work;
• act in accordance with Company Health and Safety and Covid-19 policies and procedures, carrying out any work in accordance with any training, using any equipment in a safe and appropriate manner, informing your Line Manager of any health and safety problems and immediately stopping any unsafe activity until adequate measure have been taken to remove the risk or reduce it to as low as possible.

Person Specification:

Education and Qualifications

• RTPI qualified
• Ideally MRTPI qualified or working towards qualification.

Knowledge & Experience

• Relevant experience in the private and/or public sector, pre and post qualification. Ideally five years plus experience in either public or private sector policy planning and who is looking to broaden their experience.
• Experience in the retirement sector is desirable.
• Working knowledge of financial viability assessments and impact of affordable housing contributions.

Skills & Competencies

• The work will be demanding and requires a high level of professionalism, tact and confidentiality.
• Thoroughness and attention to detail are essential as is confidence in communicating via the telephone and in person.
• Given the variety of tasks involved and the need to be working from a variety of locations and at the direction of different members of staff, flexibility and adaptability is also required.
• Competency with day to day IT systems is required.
• CSCS Card Yes/No?
• Yes (to have the ability to attend live construction sites if planning issues arise)

Essential

• Car User/Car Allowance
• Car required – Car allowance or Company Car included

NOTE: Your normal hours are set out in your offer letter and in the contractual section of the Employee Handbook. The Company reserves the right to alter days of work and/or hours of working in order to meet business requirements. There may be occasions when, in order to meet business requirements, you are required to work extra hours without any additional remuneration. Although you will be employed at McCarthy & Stone, 4th Floor 100 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8AQ, as a term of your employment you may be required to work at or from any other of the Group's establishments, in the same or similar capacity.

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Senior Planner JD