Planning Policy Officer Before you apply -Turn on alerts for jobs like this!

Help us shape the future of the New Forest Are you enthusiastic, capable and ambitious and looking to start or further a career in planning? Do you want to work in a unique and special area where you will have the opportunity to work on the preparation of a new Local Plan to guide future development? New Forest District Council are looking for an enthusiastic and pro-active Planning Policy Officer to help work on our Local Plan review and other planning policy work. You will be involved in all aspects of plan-making, working in partnership with officers across the Council and working co-operatively with different authorities, agencies and communities in the New Forest and beyond. Work on the Local Plan review has only just begun and you will help with its preparation as we seek to reflect how to accommodate wider economic and housing growth agendas within a planning area that has unique environmental and other policy considerations., Covering New Forest District (outside of the National Park), you will be part of a team of six in preparing and shaping the Local Plan Review through to its examination working closely with colleagues across the Council and particularly those in the planning service. This will include various topics areas that reflect the New Forest's unique issues and environment, such as open spaces, and supporting the Sustainability Appraisal of the plan. Alongside the Local Plan review there will be other planning policy work including involvement in regeneration initiatives, neighbourhood plans, and design codes.

You will either have an RTPI accredited degree in planning, or you will have a degree in a relevant built or natural environment discipline, and you will be able to demonstrate a keen interest in, and awareness of, the planning system and local plan-making. You will have the drive and commitment to deal with the complexities of planning policy in a highly environmentally sensitive area. You will be well equipped to effectively and collaboratively work within the team.

The New Forest is unique. Famous for its amazing wildlife, one of the largest areas of heathland in Europe, and some of the oldest trees in the country, it's a place of rare and stunning beauty. But more than this, it's a place of thriving towns and villages, communities where people live, learn and work, and we're responsible for everything from open spaces, play areas and woodland to recycling, parking and emergency planning. The district's growing economy is a reflection of the ambition and hard work of the people who live here. It's our vision to secure a vibrant and prosperous New Forest into the future, guided by the people we serve and working in partnership with others. We are proud of our new values for 2024, please watch this short video to find out more., New Forest District Council is planning positively for the future. The Government has set us a challenge of delivering a very significant increase in housing delivery in one of the most attractive and environmentally sensitive areas of the country. We are up for this challenge and want to expand our team to help us delivery quality development, which addresses the needs of the local community and protects our unique and precious environment. Do you have the skills to help us achieve this? New Forest District is a wonderful place to live, work, and start or progress your career. Enjoy the benefits of being based at our offices which are in the heart of the New Forest at Lyndhurst, and having easy access to the south coast, and the wide range of amenities on offer in nearby Southampton and Bournemouth. We are looking for Enthusiastic people to join our expanded team.

• £30,195 - £41,895 dependent on experience (up to £43,093 for exceptional performance when in post)
• 24 - 27 days annual leave (plus an additional 5 days after 5 years' continuous local government service)
• A commitment to your professional development including CPD and payment of professional subscription
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working opportunities (including some working from home)
• A Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40% on cycles and accessories
• Employee Assistance Programme (free 24 hour legal, financial and personal advice for employees)
• Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores and restaurants
• Applications for part time working will be actively considered