Head of Strategic Planning and Housing

• between 3-5 days in the office per week
• at the offices in Clitheroe
• in the Planning Policy Team

Head of Strategic Planning and Housing

The Ribble Valley planning policy team is critical to delivering the vision to create a Borough with unrivalled quality of place that respects the unique natural, social, and built heritage of the area. Ribble Valley is an area with an exceptional environment and quality of life for all, sustained by its vital and vibrant market towns and villages acting as thriving service centres. It is an area where people want to live, work, and visit.

As they develop their new Local Plan, they are looking for talented people to help them turn that vision into a reality. It's an exciting time to join their policy team as the new Local Plan takes shape and they progress towards submission in 2025. Whether you are interested in housing, infrastructure provision, the environment, economy, heritage or design, joining the new Policy Team will allow you to develop a wide range of skills and help to shape the future of the borough.

The Head of Strategic Planning and Housing will deliver the Council’s new Local Plan and manage employees within the Planning Policy, Economic Development, Partnerships, Tourism and Housing Sections.

The purpose of the job is to:

• Manage the preparation and adoption of the Council’s new Local Development Plan.
• Advise the Council on strategic planning matters and their integration with the sustainable community, housing, tourism and economic development strategies.
• Manage the Council’s Planning Policy, Strategic Housing, Economic Development, Partnerships and Tourism functions.
• Ensure the Council’s vision and policies are understood and implemented by providing direction and purpose throughout the Council’s Planning Policy, Economic Development, Tourism and Housing Sections.
• Prepare revenue and capital estimates for the Section and maintain budgetary control in accordance with the principles of value for money.
• Manage the employees of the Section in accordance with the Council’s values and policies.
• To represent and advise the Council in relation to sub-regional, county and corporate policy and development matters, including joint-working initiatives and future tourism and economic partnership functions.
• To represent the Section at the Economic Development Committee, Health and Housing Committee and Parish Council Liaison.
• Provide support to and promote the Local Strategic Partnership initiatives, which specifically address community safety.
• Contribute to the collective management of the Council through the Heads of Service Team, and the Council’s corporate planning processes.

Reporting:

• You will report to the Director of Economic Development and Planning.
• You will be responsible for the Planning Policy, Economic Development, Partnerships, Tourism and Housing Sections.

To be considered for the role, you must meet the following essential criteria:

• A minimum of 5 years post-graduation experience with detailed working knowledge of the legislation and planning policy guidance in relation to Local Plans.
• Experience of Examinations in Public and/or appeals involving complex developments issues in a public inquiry / informal hearing setting.
• Experience in leading, empowering and motivating teams and developing a performance management culture.
• Experience in developing cooperative working relationships with Members, staff, colleagues and external bodies to support the achievement of service objectives.
• Experience in budget management and planning.
• Ability to work effectively with other partners and the wider community.
• Experience in developing cooperative working relationships with Members, staff, colleagues and external bodies to support the achievement of service objectives.
• Detailed knowledge and experience of legislation and best practice in relation to planning and housing.
• Ability to assimilate national, local and regional policy and interpret this for local implementation.
• Knowledge and understanding of the key issues for local government, including working with Elected Members.

• Salary band of £56,080 - £59,525 per annum
• Generous 14.7% employer pension contribution
• 23 days of annual leave and Christmas leave, rising after 5 years of continual service

To apply for the role, please register on the Ribble valley recruitment portal. Interviews will take place on Thursday, 16 January 2025.

Access & Inclusion

Ribble Valley BC is a Disability Confident and Equal Opportunities employer. They welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact their HR team They will make reasonable adjustments to make sure disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout the recruitment process.