National Landscape Planning Adviser

East Devon District Council; Sidmouth; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a qualified planning professional for a part-time position in Sidmouth. You will influence planning policies and ensure the conservation of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty while working with stakeholders. Candidates should have practical planning experience, ideally as a chartered member of RTPI. This role offers flexible working arrangements and is part of a supportive community focusing on health and well-being.

Benefits

Health and wellbeing benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Continuous learning and development

Qualifications

• Practical knowledge and experience of developing plans.
• Demonstrable interest in landscape and cultural heritage.
• Valid driving license for travel throughout the district.

Responsibilities

• Influence planning policies and decisions.
• Engage with policy decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Ensure conservation of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Skills

Planning expertise

Excellent written and presentation skills

Attention to detail

Education

Chartered member of RTPI, or similar

Job description

Overview

Part time (15 hours / week) with a range of flexibilities, including hybrid working, aligned to our Worksmart arrangements, As a result of increasing our capacity to respond to demand for development and infrastructure projects against a backdrop of changing planning policy and evolving management of National Landscapes, we have a rare and exciting opportunity to join a small but dedicated team working to conserve and enhance the East Devon National Landscape; promoting the understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities, and - in partnership with others - seeking to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities.

You will use your expertise to influence planning policies and decisions through provision of advice and guidance to the Partnership, relevant planning authorities, Natural England, the Government and other stakeholders, engaging with policy decision-makers and responding to consultations. Planning casework will be split between planning policy and development management (planning applications). You will be responsible for ensuring that the purpose of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation - conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the protected landscape - is at the heart of development plans and other land use and infrastructure strategies affecting the area. In short you will ensure fulfilment of the statutory duty regarding the National Landscape as set out under s85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Qualifications / Requirements

We are seeking a qualified planning professional with practical knowledge and experience of working with development plans.

You will ideally be a chartered member of the RTPI, or similar, or working towards membership. You will be both a team player and a self-starter who is able to work largely unsupervised. You will have excellent written and presentation skills, strong attention to details, and be able to demonstrate a passion for and knowledge of the environment to bring added value to the East Devon National Landscape teams work.

A demonstratable interest in landscape, natural beauty, natural and cultural heritage would be an advantage, as would experience of planning for transport, minerals & waste and/or other infrastructure planning projects. A valid driving license to facilitate travel throughout the district is essential (reasonable adjustments may be possible in accordance with the Equality Act).

About the organization / Benefits

Our recent Local Government Association Peer Challenge highlighted that 'EDDC is a great place to work, with engaged staff and members' and that's certainly true! You will be part of a Gold Investors in People (IiP) organisation which works together with local people to create great value services and an outstanding community, economy and environment in which people want to live, work, visit and enjoy now, and for future generations. And with our wide range of health and wellbeing benefits, our highly flexible and collaborative hybrid Worksmart working arrangements as well as our commitment to continuous learning and development, you can be confident of joining a dedicated community of colleagues who are Happy, Healthy and Here.