Job Introduction
Milton Keynes is unique. At the heart of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, and a focus for growth outside of London, our recently adopted Plan:MK with its healthy housing land supply, aims to deliver at least 26,500 new homes by 2031. The Council has also begun working on its ‘Strategy for 2050’ to grow the population to over 400,000 people and deliver associated economic growth.
Proactive, ambitious and hardworking, you will work with fellow officers and stakeholders to confidently and efficiently handle planning matters, so to deliver an effective development management service for Milton Keynes Council. Reporting to the Principal Planning Officers and Team Leaders, you will work closely with others, helping to shape the Planning Services to deliver physical, social and economic growth for Milton Keynes. We’re also looking to embrace technology in order to respond to Planning for the Future.
This post is advertised initially on a fixed term basis following a positive restructure to create new roles and new opportunities for progression within the service, and to meet the high demand and ambitions for growth with the Borough.
Main Responsibility
Ensuring that all planning applications are efficiently and professionally determined whilst delivering an excellent customer service experience. Utilising creative problem-solving skills when required.
Supporting the work of the Development Management Team to individually and collectively deliver effective Development Management and continuous improvement to the service.
Building and maintaining positive and effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders providing a professional approach, focused on achieving results.
Keeping up to date with changing technical, legislative and organisational requirements by undertaking appropriate development and training.
Regularly carrying out site inspections and attending site meetings held away from the normal place of work.
Attending and presenting cases at the Planning Panel when required.
Shadowing and supporting senior officers on major applications and larger cases in order to support the team and expand your knowledge and experience of larger development.
Championing equality and diversity across the Council and the wider Borough.
The Ideal Candidate
This post is a fantastic opportunity to join a busy, dynamic team and take the first steps in your planning career. The ideal candidate will have some knowledge and experience of Development Management and town planning, ideally including a degree level qualification in Town and Country Planning (or similar).
You will need to be able to plan, manage and organise your own work and work to deadlines, with excellent written and confident verbal communication skills. You will need to be confident with your use of IT and preferably experience of case management databases and DPA/GDPR compliance. You should also have outstanding customer service skills, for both customers and colleagues.
We’re looking for people who are proactive and can work using their own initiative, and who can make constructive, positive contributions to the continuous improvement and ongoing work within the Planning Service.
Package Description
We are really proud of the benefits we are able to offer our staff here at Milton Keynes Council, including:-
- Local Government Pension Scheme, considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates of 19.7%
- 27 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Our Professional Development Centre provides access to courses such as in-house management development programmes endorsed by the Institute of Leadership, Apprenticeship Programmes (junior and senior), coaching and mentoring and access to our Smarter Learning portal
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cashplan
- MK Advantage benefits package – a range of savings on a wide range of retail, leisure and entertainment products and services such as Pizza Express, M&S, B&Q, John Lewis and Arriva Travel.
- SmartGo – Aimed at encouraging low-carbon transport and healthy lifestyle with discounted travel e.g. Halfords, Arriva, Europcar, National Railcards and Stagecoach.
- Homebuy Scheme (for eligible roles)
- Smarter working which provides the opportunity to work from various locations including from home for a proportion of your role (subject to business needs)
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity entitlements
- Childcare Subsidy
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes is a diverse, welcoming, and expanding place, built on smart ideas with even bigger plans for the future. We have world class attractions, beautiful open spaces, and a great standard of living.
Milton Keynes Council is one of the largest employers in the region, making a difference every day for local people. We’re responsible for all local government services in MK including education, housing, highways, and social services - around 240 services in all.
Our values are to be dedicated, respectful, and collaborative. If this sounds like you, join us for a stimulating and fulfilling career measured on results, and a rewarding work-life balance.
