Planning Policy Team Leader

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 to lead on preparing a new Local Plan to guide future development? 

New Forest District Council are looking for an enthusiastic and pro-active Team Leader to take forward 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.

What’s in it for you?    

• £50,240 - £53,457 (up to £55,538 for exceptional performance when in post) – pay award pending
• Up to 28 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

Do you enjoy leading teams to shape future places? 

Covering New Forest District (outside of the National Park), you will be leading a team of five 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, including managers. 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.

You will be an experienced and skilled planner with the drive and commitment to lead and 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 lead the team effectively and collaboratively.

About us 

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.   

LEAF Learning Empathy Ambition Fairness (youtube.com)  

We believe that all our employees make a valuable contribution to the work of the council and that’s why we encourage a trusting and open culture where each employee is supported and respected equally, in an inclusive workplace. We also recognise the value of a highly motivated and engaged workforce and we actively promote a good work/life balance and embrace workplace wellbeing.  

To view full details on what you can expect from working for NFDC and to view the full job description, please see our candidate pack attached.   

If after reading the candidate pack you have any further questions or to discuss this opportunity please contact tim.guymer@nfdc.gov.uk

Closing date for applications is 12 midnight on 31 July 2024

Provisional interview date w/c 19 August 2024 to include a presentation and formal interview (there may be some flexibility if another date is required).