THE SERVICE & TEAM:

We proudly live our values and take responsibility for them. We are a welcoming and progressive place to work, fully present in our roles, and we use initiative to improve our services. Our resources, and our residents’ money, are precious.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Deliver a Development Management function that meets statutory requirements and Council objectives.
• Embed a performance-led culture that supports sustainable development and growth projects.
• Contribute to workplans, service plans, and training plans as a subject matter expert.
• Ensure accuracy and efficiency in data handling and reporting.
• Timely determination of applications for planning permission and other consents.
• Make sound recommendations for complex planning application and/or enforcement decisions.
• Provide high-quality pre-application advice and respond to customer enquiries and requests.
• Develop, monitor, and enforce planning conditions and legal agreements.
• Represent the Council as a key witness at Local Inquiries, Hearings, judicial or quasi-judicial hearings or cases as necessary.
• Maintain effective planning, design, sustainability, and related policies and practices through sound decision-making.
• Actively support and mentor colleagues to develop specialist knowledge and progress in their careers.
• Contribute to service improvement by fostering a collaborative environment, promoting knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• The role holder must operate in line with our corporate accountabilities and behavioural frameworks.
• Travel is a requirement of the role, and the role holder must hold a valid driving licence and be able to travel throughout Cornwall.
• This role is not politically restricted and does not require a DBS check.
• Pension scheme: LGPS
  If you are passionate about making a positive impact on our communities and have the skills and experience we are looking for, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our team and help shape the future of our development management services.
  The full role profile is attached here
  For more information or an informal chat about the role please contact jo.mccabe@cornwall.gov.uk

THE ROLE:

We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Development Officer to join our Development Management team. This team is the statutory decision-making function of the Local Planning Authority, responsible for making decisions on all planning applications, planning enforcement, and planning appeals. Our purpose is to improve the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of our communities by managing development to support the creation of quality places, jobs, homes, and infrastructure.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver a proactive, customer-focused Development Management service that meets statutory requirements, including a robust appeals function, a meaningful pre-application service, and an effective enforcement service.
• Independently process a personal caseload of complex planning applications, enforcement investigations, or appeal cases.
• Provide advice and undertake site visits in relation to planning applications or enforcement investigations.
• Coach and develop colleagues in the application of relevant policies and procedures to develop confidence and competence in Development Management.

The council is committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance and offers a variety of working patterns to suit the needs of our employees. The standard working hours for this role are 37 hours per week, typically spread over five days, Monday to Friday. However, we understand that flexibility is key to maintaining a productive and happy workforce, and we offer several flexible working options:

• Compressed Hours : Employees have the option to work their total contracted hours over fewer days, allowing for longer weekends or additional days off during the week.
• Hybrid Work Arrangements : We support a blend of office-based and remote working, enabling employees to work from home for part of the week. This arrangement helps reduce commuting time and allows for a more flexible approach to wor