Landscape Planning Officer

Some key information

• Landscape Planning Officer, providing responses to planning applications for the Mendip Hills National Landscape Team
• 18.5 hours per week
• Permanent
• Annual leave 30 days (pro rata for part time)
• Office based in a rural location on the Mendip Hills but with the flexibility to work from home

What will I be doing?

We’re working to conserve and enhance the Mendip Hills National Landscape, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty:

• Prepare written responses on behalf of the National Landscape Partnership to planning applications referred by the constituent local authorities in accordance with AONB wide policies.
• Review and recommend responses to planning issues, including government consultations, liaising with planning authorities covering the National Landscape.
• Identify, review and formulate new position statements and supplementary documents through employing consultants for the National Landscape Partnership.
• Help the three local authorities ensure a coordinated and consistent approach to planning and highways issues.
• Increase the knowledge and skills of local people, councillors and the Partnership regarding planning issues in a National Landscape.
• Work with Planning Officers in other protected landscapes.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you:

• A degree in a planning or related subject
• Proven experience related to planning applications and responses either in a local authority or relevant organization.
• Up to date knowledge and understanding of development management and environment legislation and procedures.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

What's in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

Anything else I should know?

The salary for this role is £17,417 to £19,593 per annum for 18.5 hours per week.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Jim Hardcastle 01761 462338 jim@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 6th August.

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can’t wait to hear from you.

Closing Date: Midnight, 10th July 2024