Executive Planners are responsible for implementing programmes of work in the Planning Department and for providing a multiplicity of planning and related services.

Executive Planner positions are multi-faceted and may include some or all of the following key service areas:
•        Development Management;
•        Planning Enforcement;
•        Economic Development;
•        Forward Planning and Sustainable Development;
•        Community Development.
•        Derelict sites and housing estates / taking in charge of residential  developments.

The duties of an Executive Planner may include the following:
(this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require)

• Assessment and making of recommendations on planning applications in line with all relevant national, regional and local planning plans/policies, and in accordance with the appropriate legislation and guidelines as required;
• Conducting of pre-application consultations and provision of planning advice to members of the public, internal departments and to the elected members in an efficient and flexible manner;
• Assessing planning applications and pre-application proposals against the Councils policies and providing recommendations and policy responses to these as required;
• Preparation and implementation of the statutory and non-statutory plans, planning schemes and other planning related reports as required;
• Liaising and working with local and regional stakeholders and other public authorities with respect to strategy, procedure and planning practice;
• Monitoring and reporting on implementation progress, including gathering/analysis of development trends and other spatial indicators;
• Monitoring and assisting with the preparation and review of plans, local area plans etc;
• Traffic and transport planning;
• Preparation of policy and reports as required on a wide variety of conservation and related matters;
• Building and maintaining co-operative, supervisory and inter-departmental relationships as required;
• Assisting individuals, groups etc., on planning related issues;

•  Carrying out site visits and preparing recommendations in relation to planning enforcement and derelict sites, including attendance at court cases and the giving of evidence;
• Preparation of reports on the taking in charge of residential developments;
• Preparing responses for submissions on compliance with planning conditions;
• Advising on and preparation of recommendations on ‘Section 5’ exempted development declaration applications and other declarations as directed;
• Giving planning advice on the preparation and processing of “Part 8” Local Authority development applications;
• Responding to planning queries, completion of returns etc. from other Council departments and national and regional Government / statutory agencies / external bodies as directed;
• Input into the preparation of, management and administration of environmental impact assessments and habitat assessments of planning applications and plans / programmes as required;
• Assisting in organising and facilitating public consultation and participation including attendance at meetings and other public forums, making presentations and recording and responding to queries;
• Engaging in Continuing Professional Development/Training;
• Incorporating the use of IT and efficiencies into work practices;
• Preparation for and attendance at Council meetings and staff meetings;
• Taking a leadership role in strategic planning related projects as required;
• Acting or deputising for senior personnel in their absence when required.

Donegal County Council