Senior Conservation Officer (Housing, Benefits and Planning)

Job Description:

Our public sector client are looking for a Senior Conservation Officer (Housing, Benefits and Planning) to join them on a temporary basis.

Location – Coalville (3 days per week, flexible)

Job Purpose

To protect, conserve and enhance the District’s historic environment by providing specialist conservation and heritage advice to the Planning and Development team and to customers. The role involves assessing heritage-related applications, managing conservation areas, preparing policy and guidance, and supporting regeneration projects that contribute to economic growth.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Heritage and Conservation Advice

• Provide expert advice on conservation, listed buildings and historic environment matters in line with relevant planning legislation.
• Support the Planning and Development team by assessing the heritage impacts of planning proposals.

Application and Casework Management

• Assess and make recommendations on Listed Building Consent applications.
• Provide pre-application advice on planning, conservation and historic building proposals.
• Prepare appeal statements and give evidence at Hearings, Public Inquiries and Magistrates’ Courts.

Conservation Area Management

• Conduct character appraisals for Conservation Areas and prepare Article 4 Directions, Management Plans and proposed designations for new conservation areas.
• Lead and manage associated public consultation exercises.

Heritage Monitoring and Policy Development

• Carry out Buildings at Risk surveys and maintain relevant records.
• Contribute to the development of planning policies and supplementary planning guidance relating to heritage and the historic environment.

Regeneration and Growth

• Positively support projects that deliver economic regeneration and growth, ensuring heritage considerations are integrated into development opportunities.

General Responsibilities

• Deliver a customer-focused service and seek continuous improvement.
• Perform duties efficiently, effectively and with a focus on high-quality outcomes.
• Participate in appraisals, training and development activities.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety and welfare for yourself and colleagues.
• Promote equality and diversity in service delivery and employment practices.

Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade