Post Objective
To provide professional advice to the Development Management Team and the Council on matters relating to the protection and management of trees. To administer the tree protection and associated legislation and deal with applications, notices, consultations and other related matters.
Main Duties
- Give professional advice on the making and confirmation of Tree Preservation Orders, including carrying out amenity evaluations of trees. To include the writing of reports for the Development Management Committee and reviewing existing Orders, where necessary.
- Deal with and make recommendations on applications and notices to fell or undertake works to trees which are the subject of Tree Preservation Orders, situated within Conservation Areas and advise planning officers on planning conditions and pre-application enquiries/PPAs. To prepare reports in pursuance with the Development Manager’s delegated powers and for the information of Ward Members.
- Seek to achieve the Department’s performance targets for the processing of tree related matters.
- Undertake appeals against the Council’s decisions on tree-works applications, including the writing of appeal statements and attendance at appeal site visits. Undertake High Hedge complaints cases.
- Attend and give expert evidence at Informal Hearings and Public Inquiries.
- Work with the Development Management Team to achieve the legal and physical protection of trees which are subject to planning applications (including pre-application enquiries).
- Advise on the acceptability and suitability of landscaping proposals related to planning applications and environmental improvement schemes.
- Give professional advice to other officers of the Council on tree related matters, including advice on the scope and potential implications of the tree protection legislation as required.
- Ensure, in liaison with the Planning Support Team, that relevant records are maintained in accordance with required practice.
- Respond to consultations from the Forestry Commission and other organisations such as Surrey County Council, The Woodland Trust, The National Trust and Network Rail.
- Assist in producing and updating policy, guidance notes and leaflets on tree and landscape related matters.
- Represent the Council at meetings and present information to Members, Parish Councils and Residents’ Associations as required.
- Administer the provisions of Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 (the high hedges legislation). Also to have involvement in administering the provisions of the Hedgerows Regulations 1997.
- Carry out such duties as may be required by the post holder’s line manager as appropriate to the post.
- To be aware of the Council’s policy on Risk Management and to escalate any new, emerging or potential risks to the post holder’s line manager.
- To ensure that all necessary data is provided in an accurate, reliable and timely manner, and is fit for purpose in accordance with the Council’s Data Protection Policies.
- Health and Safety – to work in accordance with the Council’s commitment to provide a healthy and safe working environment including the promotion and implementation of health and safety policies and procedures.
- This is a politically restricted post as defined by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
About us
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Melissa Clarke, Deputy Development Manager and Solicitor on 01306 879206.
Closing date for applicants: Midday 31st October 2023
Interview dates: 10th November 2023
How to apply
Click the Apply button below or email our careers inbox to submit your up to date CV along with a supporting statement, to let us know how you meet the required skills and experience of the job description and person specification.
"Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion for All"
Job Description / Person Specification
Apply Here