Our Culture - Hear it from our workers
A Day in the life of...
Area Development Management Officer – Beverly Booth
Development Management covers a range of services, from giving general Planning advice, to the consideration and processing of planning applications.
Richmondshire District Council’s Planning Officers are ‘area-based’, and my own patch of the District covers a large geographical area north of Richmond. It is made up of small rural villages set within fabulous countryside, from the striking and sometimes bleak upland landscape of Hurst Moor in the west, to the low lying fields and hedgerows of the River Tees basin in the east. It includes some interesting and diverse landmarks - army ranges, conservation areas, the ruins of an ancient castle, a motor racing circuit, shrunken medieval villages and other ancient monuments, an historic country house, and the highest pub in England!
As the custodians of the natural and built environment, our Team manages development proposals in line with adopted Policy and government guidelines for the benefit and enjoyment of residents and visitors to the area and for generations to come. We promote rural economic diversity and the protection of the natural and historic landscape.
Working within government performance targets and balancing the needs of an individual or business against the effects of their proposals on neighbours and the environment, can sometimes be controversial, demanding and emotive. Dealing with different people, who can sometimes get quite angry or tearful, requires a sensitive approach and understanding, and my role is to negotiate to achieve a fair outcome. This means really getting to know, and working with, local people and their communities.
I am part of a devoted and enthusiastic Development Management Team, and I have to say that the close-working relationship, support, encouragement and camaraderie of our Team is one of the most enduring parts of the job I love most about working for Richmondshire.
Go back to the Our Culture main page
