Principal Planning Officer

The Department of Physical Planning invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the position of Principal Planning Officer.

Mandate

To direct and control the management of the Department of Physical Planning and the administration of the Land Development (Control) Act and Regulations, ensuring the effective operation of Anguilla’s development control system in support of national development objectives.

The post holder is responsible for providing strategic leadership and regulatory oversight of land use planning, development control, building regulation, and enforcement functions, to guide and manage the island's progressive, orderly, and sustainable development. This includes ensuring that all development is undertaken in accordance with approved plans, statutory requirements, and established policies, and that it contributes to environmental protection, infrastructure resilience, and the creation of a safe, well-balanced, and harmonious physical environment.

Key Functions

• Direct and control the operations of the Department of Physical Planning.
• Coordinate the activities of the Land Development Control Committee.
• Review development applications, environmental impact assessments, and technical submissions.
• Resolve planning and development conflicts.
• Liaise with Government agencies, utilities, and regional/international organisations.
• Prepare technical reports, policy papers, and development briefs.
• Participate in disaster management and national resilience initiatives.
• Perform any other related functions as required.

Key Duties

Strategic Planning and Policy Development

• Lead the preparation and implementation of national land use plans, development plans, and spatial strategies.

• Develop planning policies, guidelines, and regulatory frameworks for approval by the Executive Council.

• Integrate environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and disaster risk reduction into planning systems.

Development Control Administration

• Oversee the administration of planning applications in accordance with the Act and Regulations.

• Provide technical advice and recommendations to the Land Development Control Committee (LDCC).

• Serve as Secretary to the LDCC and ensure proper recording and communication of decisions.

• Ensure that development is carried out in accordance with approved plans and conditions.

Statutory and Regulatory Authority

• Exercise functions assigned in law to the Director of Lands and Surveys in relation to development control, as delegated or operationally assigned.

• Request additional information from applicants and manage application processes, including holding applications in abeyance where necessary.

• Maintain statutory registers of planning applications and decisions.

• Issue formal determinations and clarifications regarding development requirements.

Building Control and Technical Oversight

• Oversee the administration of the Building Code and National Electrical Code.

• Issue building permits and certificates of occupancy based on LDCC approvals and technical certification by inspectors.

• Supervise the work of the Chief Building Inspector, Electrical Inspector, and related technical staff.

Enforcement and Compliance

• Direct and coordinate enforcement actions against unauthorised development.

• Oversee inspections, investigations, and compliance monitoring.

• Represent the Department and LDCC in legal proceedings relating to planning and development matters.

Departmental Leadership and Management

• Provide overall leadership and management of the Department of Physical Planning.

• Supervise and coordinate the work of:

o Deputy Principal Planning Officer

o Senior Planner(s)

o Chief Building Inspector and Inspectors

o GIS Officers

o Planning Technicians and administrative staff

• Establish performance standards and manage staff development, training, and appraisal.

Financial and Procurement Management (Delegated)

• Prepare and manage the Department’s annual budget and work programme.

• Exercise delegated authority for expenditure in accordance with Government financial regulations.

• Monitor budget performance and ensure efficient utilisation of resources.

• Oversee procurement processes, including preparation of specifications, evaluation, and contract management, subject to approval thresholds exercised by the Permanent Secretary as Accounting Officer.

GIS and Data Management

• Lead the development and use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support planning and decision-making.

• Ensure the collection, management, and analysis of spatial and land use data.

Appeals and Executive Council Interface

• Prepare technical and statutory reports for appeals to Executive Council.

• Provide professional advice ensuring compliance with legal provisions governing appeals.

• Attend Executive Council meetings when required.

Public Engagement and Customer Service

• Promote public awareness of planning policies and development requirements.

• Ensure efficient, transparent, and timely service delivery to developers and the public.

• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and consultation processes.

Perform any other related duties as required.

Personal Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Surveying, or related field

• Master’s Degree in Physical Planning or a related discipline

Experience:

• Minimum of 5–10 years’ experience in planning, development control, or related field

• At least 3–5 years in a senior management or supervisory role

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong knowledge of planning law, development control systems, and regulatory frameworks

• Understanding of public administration and governance

• Experience in project, financial, and human resource management

• GIS and spatial planning knowledge

• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills