Principal Design and Conservation Officer

Main Purpose of the Job Principal Design and Conservation Officer To lead on the provision of specialist building conservation and design advice and to properly consider the borough?s heritage in the delivery of its development management function and other activities To provide specialist conservation advice and professional input to planning policies in respect of the historic environment. To lead on proactive conservation projects, manage the preparation of conservation SPDs, and contribute to other urban design and regeneration projects in the borough. Provide technical guidance, mentoring, day-to-day supervision and line-management of more junior officers, promoting consistent, high-quality policy work, advice and constructive engagement with applicants, stakeholders and the community. _______________________________________________________________ Specific Duties and Responsibilities: Principal Design and Conservation Officer Principal Design and Conservation Officer Take the leading role in formulating the Strategic Planning Team?s work programme in relation to the historic environment in consultation with the Strategic Planning Manager to secure and improve service, quality and efficiency objectives, priorities and timescales. To be the leading officer providing professional specialist conservation advice, technical support and making recommendations on recommendations on complex, high risk, strategic, major applications and regeneration projects worth up to ?1 billion as well as non-routine aspects of conservation work affecting the built environment including undertaking site visits, drafting written responses, and attendance at meetings, negotiation with owners, developers and other officers within Planning and other service units, stakeholders and interested parties, as required. Ensure the work of the team is accessible, responsive and customer focused, that the community is involved through the implementation of the Council?s public participation and equalities policies and practices, and that any adopted conservation documents are in compliance with good practice, legislative requirements, the Statement of Community Involvement and liaison with Government, the Mayor of London, key stakeholders, residents and the community. Take a lead role in driving forward and successfully implementing initiatives within the service including system and process development, staff training and projects with stakeholders. Review and keep up to date on new conservation policy, legislation, techniques and developments and inform and advise the Planning Service on implementation and implications for the Borough. Ensure that opportunities for multi-disciplinary and cross team working are maximised. Brief and ensure key Members are aware of important strategic issues affecting the Planning service with regard to the historic environment. Promote and champion building conservation and high standards of design intervention in the historic environment to the wider public generally. Provide technical guidance, support, mentoring, day-to-day supervision and line-management of and mentoring to the Design and Conservation Officer and any additional agency or seconded staff that may be included at various times, promoting consistent, high-quality work, advice and constructive engagement with applicants, stakeholders and the community. Provide support and mentoring to the Design and Conservation Officer and any additional agency or seconded staff that may be included at various times. Provide specialist conservation advice to Development Management staff and developers on complex developments with significant historic environment implications, liaising with Historic England and National Amenity Societies as necessary. Lead on complex listed building applications. Undertake delegated authorisation for relevant decision making within the service. Lead on pre-application discussions with developers and other relevant officers across the Council on complex development proposals advising, negotiating and recommending on matters relating to the historic environment. Lead in negotiations with developers to achieve high quality developments that preserve or enhance the historic environment. Undertake surveys and site inspections as required. Attend meetings of the Planning Committee and any other meetings of the Council as may be required, including public meetings. Produce expert witness statements and represent the Council at Planning Hearings, Public Inquiries and Magistrates Court hearings Support the Head of Strategic Planning in the Interviewing and recruitment of relevant conservation staff Interview, recruit and project manage consultants to undertake conservation projects across the borough and ensure tenders, contracts and budgets are complied with. Prepare relevant policy advice, supplementary planning documents, associated committee reports, and other information to support and promote the work of the Strategic Planning team. In consultation with the Head of Strategic Planning, prepare and present reports, and make appropriate recommendations to Council?s Committees, Mayor and Cabinet, Panels, Members and the Executive on a range of matters. Extensive knowledge of:- Principal Design and Conservation Officer Conservation law and practice Historic building conservation philosophy Building construction and urban design Town and Country Planning Acts Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act Government Planning Policy Guidance, Statements, Regulations and Circulars National Planning Policy Framework London Plan and regional planning issues Broader Council-wide corporate and planning issues.