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Decision details

APPOINTMENT OF ONE AGENCY WORKER FOR 3 MONTHS TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL PLANNING SUPPORT TO THE PLANNING POLICY TEAM

Decision Maker: Assistant Director - Planning

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

To appoint one agency worker for up to 3 months to provide essential professional planning support at a principal level to the Planning Policy Team.

This is based upon an hourly rate of £41 with a likely total cost in the region of £20,000 which can be met within the existing staffing budget.

Reasons for the decision:

The production of the Local Plan in line with the adopted timetable is a key corporate objective.

Professional planning resource levels in the team have been depleted since the departure of the Principal Planning Officer in early January. Recruitment is underway and an appointment is expected imminently, however, notice periods could mean that the resource won't be in place for another 3 months.

A detailed resourcing report is being prepared for Members looking at a range of resource options to cover the longer term.

However in the interim period it is crucial that the Council secures additional resources to help recover the time lost through vacancies and to get the Local Plan back on track. The most expedient way to achieve this is through the short term appointment of consultancy support.

The cost will be met from the existing Local Plan salary budget from vacancy savings.

Alternative options considered:

To not appoint - this option was rejected on the basis that it would significantly delay the timetable for the preparation of the Local Plan which is a key corporate priority.

Publication date: 03/02/2023

Date of decision: 19/04/2016

Accompanying Documents: