Job Introduction
As one of the fastest growing cities in the UK, set within an historic and prosperous rural area, Milton Keynes is a fantastic place to develop your planning career or take it in a new direction, presenting a unique set of opportunities for planning professionals. 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 is also moving into the delivery and review phase of its recently adopted Minerals Local Plan, whilst aiming to deliver our ‘Strategy for 2050’ to grow the population to over 400,000 people and deliver associated economic growth, via the New City Plan to 2050. We also have big ambitions to reach net zero carbon by 2030 and be carbon negative by 2050 with the role of waste and resource planning transforming how we look at and make use of waste and minerals.
We now have a fantastic opportunity for a Planning Officer to take the first steps in their planning career and join our busy and dynamic Development Plans Team. You will work in connection with the preparation, implementation and monitoring of local planning projects, projects within the Local Development Scheme, supplementary planning documents, design guidance and any other policy documents that may arise. You will help support the wider team in preparing the ambitious New City Plan to 2050, which will integrate land use and waste policy into one Development Plan.
If you have a passion for planning and would like to make a difference this role is for you.
Main Responsibility
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To assist in the preparation, review and update of the Local Plan documents, evidence base for the Local Plan and other planning policy documents.
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To monitor the current Local Plan and support the production of the Annual Monitoring Reports.
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To provide planning policy advice to internal and external stakeholders.
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To help in preparation and running of the consultation events.
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To analyse, evaluate and report on social, economic, environmental development matters to various stakeholders and the public.
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To maintain planning policy web pages.
The Ideal Candidate
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Educated to a Degree level or equivalent in Planning or a related subject.
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Has an ability to research, analyse and present work in clear and relevant format.
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Has excellent written and verbal communication skills .
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Someone who has good knowledge of the plan-making system, relevant legislation, policy and best practice.
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Someone who is good in working effectively as a part of a team and dedicated to his work.
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A good and respectful collaborator who plans their workload well and works to achieve deadlines.
Package Description
We are really proud of the benefits we are able to offer our staff here at Milton Keynes City Council, including:-
- Local Government Pension Scheme, considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates of 18.8%.
- 27 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years. (From April 2023 this will increase to 28, and 32 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.
- Blue Light Card - Employees working within Social Care can qualify for a range of discounts from national retailers to local businesses in a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones and much more!
- 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 City 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.
