Senior Policy Planner

Help us shape the future of the New Forest

Are you passionate about planning and seeking a fresh challenge? Do you want to work in a unique and special area where you will have the opportunity 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 Senior Policy Planner 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 developing effective relationships 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 be at the heart of 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.

You will be an experienced and skilled planner with the drive and commitment to deal with the complexities of planning policy in a highly environmentally sensitive area. You will be innovative and adept in partnership working and problem solving and be well equipped to effectively and collaboratively work within the team, including deputising for the Team Leader on occasions., Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.

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.

£42,810 - £45,930 (up to £46,925 for exceptional performance when in post) - pay award pending
Up to 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

Do you enjoy helping to shape future places?

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. Alongside the Local Plan Review there will continue to be other planning policy work including involvement in regeneration initiatives and the preparation of design codes.