Principal Design and Conservation Officer

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has an opportunity for a Principal Design and Conservation Officer on a 3 months contract with the possibility of an extension.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide design advice to Development Management officers, negotiate on development proposals and contribute to reports at all stages of the planning process with full regard to the achievement of the client’s performance standards and corporate priorities.
• Provide design input at appeals by contributing to appeal statements and Informal Hearings and by representing the client as an expert witness on design issues at Public Inquiries including the preparation of Proofs of Evidence. Carry out these tasks in compliance with the timetables required by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate to an exceptionally high standard to maximise the probability of positive outcomes. Additionally, support lower graded staff in their appeals proceedings as and when required.
• Advise on urban design policy and principles, ensuring compliance with the client’s adopted policy and guidance and ensuring the application of all relevant legislation, regulation, policy and guidance as appropriate.
• Provide conservation area advice, where appropriate, on planning applications, therefore, maintaining a good working knowledge of conservation area legislation, policy, guidance and best practice
• Attend Planning Committee, public and other working meetings, to present reports, to progress the work of the team (to include the New Build Housing Programme) and to take instruction, as required.
• Deal with enquiries on planning/urban design/streetscape/landscape matters, providing advice to the public, applicants and staff where required.
• Deputise for the Design & Conservation Team Manager/Deputy Team Manager from time to time as may be required.
• Provide design input and advice to Policy & Projects and Transport Planning in the preparation of reports, masterplans via Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs), planning briefs and other planning documents as well as urban design projects in liaison with organizations.
• Support the statutory and delegated decision making process of Development Management in accordance with the Constitution, relevant scheme of delegation and procedures of the service as directed by the management team and as appropriate to the post leve

Requirements:

• Completion of a recognised relevant qualification in Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture or other relevant design discipline.
• Membership of RTPI, RIBA or equivalent relevant professional body would be desirable. Eligibility for membership is a requirement.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of as well as experience gained in the Urban Design, Planning and Landscape Architecture fields. Demonstrable successful interpretation and application of current legislation and national, regional and local planning policy and urban design principles and working practices relating to Planning and Development Management
• Expert knowledge and understanding of key issues and the latest developments in urban design, architecture, heritage and construction methods/materials with a practical appreciation of good design and related implications.
• Knowledge, ability and/ or proven track record of leading on the provision of specialist advice on all matters relating to architectural and urban design including advising on major and complex development schemes and regeneration projects in particular those being promoted by the client. This will include identifying urban design issues and potential problems arising from major developments and other schemes and ability and experience of making recommendations for creative, imaginative yet practical and deliverable solutions including through use of quantitative and qualitative analysis, evaluation of alternative solutions and consequences of outcomes
• Ability to use IT resources to support the functions of the post and the wider service
• Ability and experience of drafting accurate and concise reports/observations on complex development/regeneration schemes including experience of providing written advice on strategic urban design issues, complex correspondence, briefing notes and similar documents containing urban design/architectural assessments, demonstrating exceptional technical skills and knowledge
• Extensive experience and proven track record of a high level of competence and of successfully influencing and securing improved urban design outcomes within the context of a high volume

If you are interested, please contact Pocholo!