Town Planning Assistant

Overview

This job involves supporting chartered town planners to develop new projects and create sustainable communities. As a town planning assistant, you’ll handle applications, assist the public or clients with planning procedures, and research site histories. You’ll also analyse sites for development and create documents and graphics. The role includes office work, meetings, and site visits. You must manage your tasks efficiently, meet deadlines, and consider health, safety, and environmental factors.

What You’ll Do

• Researching Site History and Policies: Investigate the history of a location, including any rules or limitations on how the land can be used.
• Analysing Sites: To understand their characteristics, visit sites, take photos, and study maps.
• Assessing Development Proposals: Review plans and elevations to gauge the size and scope of proposed buildings.
• Summarising Information for Planning Applications: Condense research findings and policy constraints into clear, written or spoken presentations for Town Planners.
• Reviewing Environmental Impact: Based on specialist reports and designations, evaluate how proposed developments might affect the environment.
• Ensuring Compliance: Check if proposed developments adhere to planning regulations and initiate enforcement actions, if necessary, under supervision.
• Applying Legal and Policy Frameworks: Use relevant laws and policies when working on planning projects.
• Providing Planning Advice: Offer clear guidance to the public, officials, and clients through various communication channels.
• Managing Planning Applications: Handle straightforward planning applications and representations with supervision.
• Engaging with Communities: Assist in consultations and discussions with the public and officials regarding development plans.
• Participating in Planning Meetings: Attend and contribute to planning meetings, recording accurate minutes.
• Supporting Project Delivery: Aided town planners in project management, ensuring timelines were met.
• Organising Planning Documents: Accurately describe and file planning materials within a workplace system.
• Collaborating in Teams: Work with multidisciplinary teams and seek advice from other experts when needed.
• Preparing Documentation: Create visual representations and plans to present to clients and authorities.
• Assisting with Planning Appeals: Help compile materials and respond to evidence during planning appeals.

What You’ll Learn

• Laws and Rules: Understanding current town planning rules and how legal cases affect planning decisions.
• Planning Process: Learning about how development plans are managed and responding to requests for technical information.
• Data Gathering: Knowing where to find data for planning, both current and historical.
• Environment and Sustainability: Understanding environmental considerations in planning, like flood risk and energy usage.
• Conservation and Design: Protecting natural and historic areas during development and considering design constraints.
• Regulations and Enforcement: Monitoring developments for compliance with regulations and managing planning appeals.
• Engaging Stakeholders: Understanding the wider political context of planning and working with various organizations and the local community.
• Maps and Graphics: Creating and interpreting maps and other graphical representations, including photography.
• Health and Safety: Following safety regulations during planning processes.
• Assessing Size and Impact: Evaluating the size and impact of developments according to planning policies.
• Writing Reports: Presenting information about policies, site research, and analysis effectively.
• Managing Projects: Handling project requirements, timelines, costs, and goals effectively.