Principal Design and Conservation Officer

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has a new opportunity for a Principal Design and Conservation Officer on a 3 month initial contract with the possibility of further 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.
• Provide input to assist in the development of streetscape improvement projects.
• Deputise for the Design & Conservation Team Manager/Deputy Team Manager from time to time as may be required.
• Take the lead in providing design advice to the New Build Housing Team as part of the New Build Housing Programme.
• 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 such as Transport for London (TfL).
• Help manage and continually improve the Design Review Panel, contributing towards all stages of its process including liaising with relevant interested parties on reviewed schemes, prepare or feed into briefings and reports, supporting the chair and the other panel members, manage the day-to-day running and administration of functioning of the panel.
• Induct Development Management officers on design on a regular basis.

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.
• Working knowledge and understanding of development management systems and processes and the ability to work to specified procedures
• Knowledge, ability and/ or proven track record of leading on the provision of specialist advice on all matters relating to architectural and urban design
• Demonstrable understanding, commitment and ability to carry out the tasks of the post, with experience of using performance management techniques to meet agreed deadlines to provide timely
• Ability to mentor, train and develop more junior staff.
• 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, high output service demand.

If you are interested, please apply or contact Pocholo for more information!