Planning Alliance to recruit programme manager to deliver ambitious plan
The Planning Alliance, a multi-disciplinary group of cross-sector, built environment organisations, has kicked off the process of hiring a Programme Manager to lead the implementation of an action plan to improve public sector planning.
The Planning Alliance initiative is being managed by the Planning Officers Society (POS), with the support of a core group that includes the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Home Builders Federation (HBF), the Planning Advisory Service, the British Property Federation and the London Property Alliance. At the heart of the initiative, and the focus of the action plan, are three aims, which are to:
- improve the operation of the planning system;
- improve the image of the planning system; and
- increase resources into the planning system.
To facilitate the successful delivery of the action plan, POS is recruiting a dedicated programme manager to oversee its development and implementation.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in coordinating efforts across the Planning Alliance and driving the delivery of the Action Plan over an initial two-year contract period.
Rob Bristow of the Planning Officers Society said: “The growing urgency to address the challenges within the planning system is widely recognised and the Planning Alliance’s Action Plan will deliver the meaningful impact needed. We are looking for bold, collaborative leadership to drive this crucial initiative forward and deliver lasting change.”
Sam Stafford, planning director at the Home Builders Federation, said: “The challenges within the planning system that place such a strain on local authority planning teams have a direct impact on the challenges faced by the home building industry. Strengthening public sector planning will support home builders to deliver much-needed homes, therefore we are pleased to support this initiative.”
Charles Begley, chief executive of the London Property Alliance, said: “The planning system enables the delivery of the homes, workplaces and infrastructure we all rely on and is a key driver of economic growth. It is therefore vital the public and private sectors work together to support a robust, fair and responsive system which has the resources to deliver for both the capital and the country.”
The recruitment drive comes at a pivotal time. Just this week a survey of local authority planning capacity and skills published by MHCLG revealed that, of those planning departments with skills gaps, over half (53%) said these skills gaps had increased in the past 12 months, and only a third of planning departments indicated that they had the experience, skills and knowledge to meet and deliver the services and work required. At the same time, HBF’s latest Housing Pipeline report shows planning approvals figures continue to fall to record lows.