Planning Officer - Trees - Ref: EE11026

Walsall encompasses a diverse array of landscapes both urban and rural. With Trees and woodlands offering some of the most diverse habitat, with numerous ancient woodlands and ancient and veteran trees present across the Borough. Walsall Council's Environment Team is looking for a Planning Officer (Trees) to sit within Planning & Building Control Services, to play a key role in delivering specialist arboricultural advice, processing Tree Preservation Order applications, assisting the Development Management process, making TPOs and helping to shape planning policy.

• Serve as the specialist case officer for applications involving Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and trees in conservation areas.
• Assess, process and make recommendations on planning applications that affect protected trees and hedgerows.
• Provide arboricultural advice to developers, planners and internal teams throughout the development management process.
• Contribute to the preparation, review and adoption of local plan policies and planning guidance related to trees and green infrastructure.
• Support the comprehensive re‑survey and ongoing review of the Council's TPO stock in line with government guidance.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including landowners, developers, and environmental agencies, to ensure compliance with tree protection legislation.
• Prepare detailed reports, condition statements and mitigation proposals for tree‑related planning applications.
• Deliver training and advice to colleagues on arboricultural best practice and statutory requirements.
• Monitor and report on emerging legislation, policy changes and best practice in urban forestry and tree preservation.
• Assist in the development of tree‑related sections of planning documents, ensuring integration with wider regeneration objectives.

• Level 4 Arboricultural qualification, preferably at extended Diploma or Diploma level
• Hold, or are able and willing to work towards, the Lantra Professional Tree Inspection qualification
• Minimum one years' relevant experience surveying and assessing trees
• a detailed knowledge of trees within the planning context and its application in the planning decision and plan-making processes, including relevant legislation, policies and guidance
• a deep understanding of the plan-making and planning decision making processes and the national planning framework and objectives which drives them
• demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply planning policy and guidance.
• excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear technical reports.
• proficiency in GIS and planning software.
• ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail.
• commitment to delivering high‑quality public service and supporting Walsall's regeneration vision.