Viability Officer

Our team…

The Council’s Planning Services play a fundamental role in managing the natural and built environment, ensuring that the future development needs of the area can be accommodated to make it a better place in which to live and work. 

The Delivery and Infrastructure team is focussed on unlocking and delivering strategic and local plan development sites across North Yorkshire, developing relationships with funding partners and infrastructure providers and ensuring that monies are levered in from new development to support our place shaping ambitions.

Role summary…

The post holder will be the viability lead for the planning service providing specialist advice on all aspects of viability relating to development schemes.  You will be able to work with minimal supervision in delivering the key requirements of the post.

Working across the planning service you will provide viability information, evidence and carry out appraisals of masterplans and parameter plans to support the delivery of strategic development sites, input into the local plan and review financial viability appraisals submitted as part of planning applications; ensuring the Planning Service is well equipped in assessing and where necessary challenging viability appraisals and outputs.

Duties and responsibilities…

·       Lead on and provide the critical review of Financial Viability Appraisals submitted as part of pre-applications and planning applications, liaising with external viability consultants, and ensuring S106 obligations are secured as required by policies.

·       Negotiate with, and where required challenge applicants and viability consultants on the factors and outputs that determine the viability of schemes, in order to secure delivery of necessary infrastructure and affordable housing in line with development plan policies.

·       Develop and review guidance notes to support the submission and review of Financial Viability Appraisals

·       Lead on the inputs required to support the preparation of the local plan in relation to viability, including the necessary research and evidence base to support the Council’s emerging policies.

·       Provide viability information, evidence and carry out appraisals of masterplans and parameter plans to support the delivery of strategic development sites.

·       Prepare and present specialist evidence on viability at public examinations, local inquiries, and other public meetings as appropriate.

·       Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations policy and guidance, taking a proactive approach to implementing any relevant changes.

·       Advise on the implications and consequences any future changes to the planning system and the proposed Infrastructure Levy, including preparing briefings and where necessary presenting to colleagues, senior managers, and Councillors.

·       Provide training on viability and delivery issues to develop in service capacity; equipping others to become more self-reliant when considering technical viability matters.

·       Take responsibility for own work, performance, development and behaviours; using own initiative to ensure that expectation are met for the benefit of the Council, our customers and our colleagues.

Experience / Qualifications:

·       RICS accredited degree or post graduate RICS accredited degree

·       Eligible for Membership of RICS

·       Comprehensive knowledge and excellent understanding of development viability at national, regional and local levels

·       Extensive experience in undertaking economic appraisals, including reviewing Financial Viability Appraisals as part of the planning process.

·       Knowledge of Section 106 legal agreements, including related legislation and policy guidance

·       Experience in analysing and interpreting data and outcomes.

·       Extensive experience of negotiating with a range of bodies and individuals

·       Working across organisational boundaries, developing effective relationships in order to deliver Service projects and priorities.

·       Experience of effective communication using a variety of methods tailored to a broad range of stakeholders and customers including experience of presenting evidence at examinations/inquiries and or reports to Members.

·       In depth knowledge of the planning process and associated national planning policy guidance

Contact and Apply…

For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Tracey.Rathmell@northyorks.gov.uk or Natasha.Durham@northyorks.gov.uk

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.