Planner (Organic Waste & Renewable Energy)

Role Summary

This role is pivotal in the implementation of STGP's core operational activities, growth aspirations and development strategy. The purpose of the Planner role is to increase our in-house professional planning resource which will enable STGP to manage more of the planning permissions work in-house rather than through external consultants. We seek a commercially aware, driven Planner to secure new planning permissions for our activities on existing sites and new development projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare planning applications for a range of developments on existing sites. Avoid onerous planning conditions and/or agreements wherever possible.
• Liaise, build relationships, and negotiate with all stakeholders connected with the planning process including Local Planning Authorities, Council Members and Statutory Consultees.
• Where appropriate, oversee and review work produced by specialist consultants working on STGP’s behalf (e.g. transport consultants, ecologists, landscape architects, etc.). Manage any such consultants to deliver work on time and to an agreed budget.
• Provide planning advice to internal stakeholders (e.g. site managers, commercial team, etc.) in relation to existing sites.
• Support the Company’s Principal Planner in advising on planning aspects relating to proposed new development projects.
• Monitor proposals and planning applications submitted by 3rd parties/competitor organisations and provide advice on these in respect of their potential impacts to the business.
• Monitor the progress of relevant local development plans and ensure the business is informed of key opportunities for engagement/influence.
• Prepare representations on behalf of the business to relevant, emerging local development plan documents.
• Work closely with and build effective relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g. regional managers and site managers) to ensure existing sites comply with their planning permissions and relevant legislation. This will include monitoring and auditing of sites against their planning permissions, to check for compliance.
• Support the Company’s Principal Planner in organising consultation events/liaison meetings in conjunction with other interested local parties, community groups, etc.
• Contribute to the maintenance of concise and accurate planning records. Ensure planning files are kept up to date with complete records of applications submitted and approved.

Key Requirements

SKILLSET:

• Good working knowledge of waste planning legislation and planning application procedure.
• Some experience of working with specialist/ technical consultants would be beneficial.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail when preparing and reviewing planning documentation.

EXPERIENCE:

• 2-5 years post-qualification professional planning experience in the Waste, Anaerobic Digestion and/or Renewable Energy sector (at least part of which has been gained within an operational business and/or consultancy role).
• Demonstrable record of securing planning consents for waste/ renewable energy sites.
• Proven ability to build relationships with key stakeholders.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

ATITUDES:

• A collaborative team worker who communicates well.
• Ownership and responsibility to get the job done safely and on time.
• Flexible with a can-do attitude
• Good problem solver
• Continually improve what they, and the team can deliver.