Planning Casework Lead for Nature & Growth

Natural England; Bridgwater; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural England is seeking a Planning Casework Higher Officer in Bridgwater to contribute expert statutory advice on planning applications and development plans, coordinating cross-team expertise to ensure nature-positive outcomes. The role supports growth while protecting habitats and landscapes.

The post focuses on delivering robust, evidence-based guidance within statutory timescales, collaborating with planners, authorities and environmental specialists to secure sustainable development.

Qualifications

• Experience of land-use planning and development management.
• Strong knowledge of environmental legislation, policy and guidance.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Well-developed organisational and prioritisation skills, able to manage a complex and varied workload.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality statutory advice on planning applications, development plans and infrastructure projects (including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects).
• Assess potential impacts on protected landscapes, habitats and species, helping to secure better outcomes for nature.
• Work alongside colleagues to coordinate expertise from across Natural England to deliver robust, evidence-based and quality-assured advice.
• Build partnerships with customers and stakeholders to resolve complex planning issues to support nature recovery.
• Work to statutory targets and deadlines whilst ensuring all actions are recorded and auditable.

Skills

Planning casework

Stakeholder engagement

Environmental policy

Communication skills

Project management

Job description

Natural England is seeking a Planning Casework Higher Officer in Bridgwater to contribute expert statutory advice on planning applications and development plans, coordinating cross-team expertise to ensure nature-positive outcomes. The role supports growth while protecting habitats and landscapes.

The post focuses on delivering robust, evidence-based guidance within statutory timescales, collaborating with planners, authorities and environmental specialists to secure sustainable development.