Planning Policy Assistant

South Downs National Park Authority; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A local planning authority in Crawley is seeking a meticulous Planning Policy Assistant to contribute to the preparation of the South Downs Local Plan Review. This permanent position involves assisting the team in carrying out consultations and preparing for the local plan examination. Ideal candidates should be organized, detail-oriented, and able to clearly communicate information. The role offers a hybrid working model, allowing flexibility in how the responsibilities are managed.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate information clearly to others.
• Experience in planning or related fields is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the South Downs Local Plan Review.
• Assist in carrying out consultations for the local plan.
• Participate in the examination of the local plan.

Job description

Job Description

• Position: Planning Policy Assistant
• Location: South Downs Centre, Midhurst (Hybrid Working)
• Closing Date: 25 January 2026
• Interview Date: 5 February 2026
• Salary: £28,540 to £31,127
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Type of post: Permanent

Are you interested in a career in planning, helping to influence how development happens within South Downs National Park? Are you good at chasing down information and statistics and presenting information clearly? Do you like designing and implementing systems that organise information and make it easily available to users? Are you reliable, organised and good with detail, but can also communicate that information to others? If so, then this could be the perfect job for you.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within SDNPA's Planning Policy Team to contribute to our South Downs Local Plan Review, which will be published for its final consultation and submitted for examination in 2026. As Planning Policy Assistant, you will play a vital role in finalising this local plan, carrying out the consultation and assisting the team in preparing for and participating in the local plan examination.

We will also be starting work on minerals and waste plans under the new plan‑making system being introduced in 2026, so you will have an opportunity to participate in the first generation of these new 30‑month plans.