Placemaking Research Officer

Job Description and Person Specification

Placemaking Research Officer

Introduction

Bath Preservation Trust advocates for sustainable development and design excellence which
enhances and enables the amenity of the city of Bath and the ability for it to flourish positively now
and for the future. The exemplary historic centre is fundamental to its importance but there is also the
need for sustainable development and growth of the city. BPT is central to that process and has been
providing informed advice, guidance and responses to proposals for more than 90 years.

This role is critical to the organisations ability to maintain and deliver responses. Bath and North-East
Somerset (B&NES) council is a very busy local planning authority and is in the top 20 busiest LPA’s in
the country. The Placemaking Research Officer will use systems adeptly and dynamically to assist the
processing of proposals and to inform written responses to planning applications, working with
professional staff and a team of volunteers advisors.

Job purpose

The Placemaking Research Officer is responsible for leading the activities of the Architecture Planning
& Place panels and subgroups, this is a unique role that combines strong inter-personal skills, sector
knowledge, a keen attention to detail and the ability to interpret plans and documents.

You’ll be working with some of the best multi-disciplinary teams to shape better places. You’ll get an
insight into exciting new developments and play your part in making them better. You’ll share insights
into processes which demonstrate the impact of engagement.

There will be the opportunity to experiment with the appropriate use of emerging technology to
facilitate and enhance the research process.

The role will support the Design, Conservation and Sustainability Manager in responses to policy
consultations using AI to extract core themes.

The role will also be responsible for responding to enquiries from members and the public as required.

Terms

Location: Schoolhouse, Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, Paragon, Bath BA1 5NW

Reports to: Design, Conservation and Sustainability Manager

Contract: Part time, 0.6 FTE – 21 hours per week. Permanent following satisfactory completion of six-
month probationary period.

Salary: £32,000 (£17.58 per hour) per annum, pro rata. Actual salary £19,200.

About the Organisation

We are a leading architectural and conservation charity advocating for design
excellence, sustainable development, and the conservation of the historic environment. Our
mission is to influence planning and placemaking decisions that create vibrant, inclusive, and
environmentally responsible communities.

Role Purpose

Key Responsibilities

1.  Planning Application Analysis and Response:

•  Provide specialist design advice on pre-application discussions in relation to

architectural design / urban design.

•  Review and assess, and evaluate planning applications, against design, sustainability,

and all relevant considerations, including heritage.

•  Where required, attend on site to discuss design issues with applicants and their

agents or builders.

•  Skill in finding creative and innovative solutions that avoid or minimize harm and

deliver public benefits.

•  Use AI-driven tools to extract, analyse, and summarise key data from planning

documents.

2.  Research & Evidence Base:

•  Conduct research on placemaking best practices, urban design, and conservation

policies, using this to inform responses and Position Statements.

•  Contribute to the preparation of design policy in any future review of BPT polices and

position statements.

•  Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant law, policies, theories, best practices
and procedures in the fields of architecture, architectural design, sustainability and
construction, townscape / heritage, and urban design where they relate to the planning
process with a view to ensuring City of Bath World Heritage Site and its setting delivers
excellence in this area.

•  Track reviewed schemes to assess impact and build record of case studies.

•  Maintain filing systems and databases as required.

3.  Stakeholder Engagement:

•  Prepare clear, persuasive responses to planning consultations, working with other

staff and advisors as appropriate.

•  Liaise with development teams, planning agents, architects and PR companies to

invite important projects to engage with.

•  Liaise with LPAs to engage with policy, strategy & guidance reviews

•  Provide high quality professional advice to Members, agents, developers and the

public on all aspects of architectural design and urban design.

4.  Reporting & Documentation:

•  Produce reports, briefing notes, and presentations for internal and external audiences,

including the use of infographics to improve accessibility.

•  Ensure all outputs meet organisational standards for accuracy and clarity.

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Identify opportunities to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.

•  Seek creative ways to use AI which might add value to BPT’s A&C work.

5.  General

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The job holder is required to follow and comply with all policies and procedures of BPT,
which includes the Health and Safety procedures in the workplace, ensuring personal
safety and the safeguarding of the interests and safety of all staff, trainees, visitors,
and others at or engaging with BPT.

To uphold the working values and expectations of BPT.

To carry out other duties relevant to your post as reasonably required by your line
manager.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

•  Education & Knowledge:

•  Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Geography, Environmental Studies, or related

field, OR demonstrable equivalent working experience.

•  Knowledge of all relevant planning legislation, policies and procedures and thorough
knowledge of architectural, heritage / townscape and urban design best practice.

•  Professional experience in a built environment, planning or design role, with

experience of the town planning process.

•  Technical Skills:

•  Familiarity with AI tools and data analysis techniques and comfortable applying them

dynamically to obtain informed outcomes.

•  Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel & Word with good IT skills.

•  Exemplary research and evaluation of narrative, statistics and illustrations.

•  Analytical & Communication Skills:

•  Ability to interpret complex planning documents and extract key insights.

•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing responses and

reports.

•  Values & Motivation:

•  Fundamental commitment to the principles of EDI and responsibility, appropriate to

the post for tackling racism and promoting good race, ethnic and community relations.

•  Commitment to sustainable development and design excellence.

•  Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.

•  Passion for protecting and enhancing the historic environment.

•  Excellent team player - collaborative and consultative.

•  Comfortable working autonomously and managing multiple priorities.

•  Responsible, conscientious and flexible in approach with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.

•  Self-motivated and active thinker.

Desirable Criteria

•  A relevant post-graduate qualification in architecture, planning, urban design or associated

field.

•  Experience working with charities or advocacy organisations.

•  Knowledge of emerging technologies in urban planning.

•  Knowledge of the history of Bath and World Heritage Sites.

•  Project management experience.

Benefits of working for Bath Preservation Trust

•  Positive, collaborative, inclusive working culture
•  35 hour working week
•  Flexible working hours
•  Flexible working arrangements (subject to agreement and the requirements of the job)
•  34 days annual leave (including public holidays)
•  Employee Assistance Programme
•  Higher than statutory minimum company sick leave
•  Cycle to Work scheme
•  0% loans for public transport season tickets