Town Planner

Believ: ABOUT US

At Believ formerly known as Liberty Charge were committed to sustainable transport being accessible to everyone. Were a Charge Point Operator (CPO) on a mission to create the UKs most reliable electric vehicle charging network that doesnt cost the earth and leaves no one behind. Providing equitable access to electric vehicle charging and achieving cleaner air for all is at the heart of the Believ mission. We work closely with local authorities and businesses to deliver reliable high quality charging networks at pace at scale and at zero cost.

We offer all the advantages of being a scale-up business but with the added security and long-term backing from well-known parents - Liberty Global (who also own our delivery partner Virgin Media O2) and Zouk Capital (who manage the Governments Charging Investment Infrastructure Fund).

Youll be joining this exciting journey at the start of our scale-up phase and working with us to hit the ambitious targets our shareholders have set. Youll become part of a passionate and supportive team in a fast-paced dynamic and result-driven environment.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Town Planner / Planning Officer to manage and deliver the end-to-end planning process for multiple development sites. This position will be responsible for determining planning requirements preparing and submitting planning applications where necessary and overseeing the full lifecycle of the planning process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess new sites to determine the requirement for planning permission including reviewing permitted development rights prior approvals and relevant planning legislation.
• Prepare coordinate and submit planning applications including associated documentation plans and supporting statements with input from external consultants and contractors as required.
• Manage the planning process for sites from initial feasibility through to consent discharge of conditions and post-approval compliance.
• Act as a point of contact for all planning matters with local planning authorities statutory consultees third-party consultants and other stakeholders.
• Monitor and respond to statutory consultations objections and requests for additional information from planning authorities.
• Maintain comprehensive records of all planning submissions correspondence decisions and appeals ensuring the planning register is kept up to date.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management on planning risk progress and emerging issues affecting project delivery.
• Keep up to date with changes in planning policy guidance and legislation that may impact the companys projects ensuring advice and actions remain compliant and current.
• Support the continuous improvement of internal planning procedures and documentation.

About you

At Believ we are building a culture that attracts and retains the best talent. We are a dedicated and high-performing team accustomed to working at pace in an ever-evolving industry and we are looking for people who are as passionate as us about cutting carbon emissions and providing cleaner air for all. The successful candidate will have the following attributes and skills:

Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrable experience in town planning ideally with experience in infrastructure utilities or large-scale development projects.
• In-depth understanding of UK planning legislation policy and the end-to-end planning application process.
• Strong report writing analytical and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with experience engaging a range of stakeholders including local authorities contractors and the public.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings site layouts and planning policies.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver work to strict deadlines.

Qualifications & Professional Memberships:

• Accredited degree in Town Planning or a related discipline (RTPI accredited degree essential).
• Full Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus the usual 8 UK Bank Holidays and the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year*
• Access to wellbeing and mental health benefits such as the Calm app personal medical insurance critical illness cover dental optical & travel insurance income protection and life assurance
• Pension contribution matched up to 10%
• Access to our car benefit scheme and cycle to work scheme
• Access to our online learning platform to continue to develop and grow your career with us.
• 16 hours a year Volunteer Time Off to support causes that are important to you
• Virgin Media / O2 discounts and offers
• Access to VIP Arena Suites at the O2 Arena (London) and First Direct Arena (Leeds)
• Enhanced parental leave policies

* This perk can only be availed for the following calendar year by employees who started before 1st December

Location

The business is currently based in our office in Southwark. The position is full time hybrid with 3 days (Tuesday Wednesday & Thursday) based in the office. Believ is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our people.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.