Senior Planning Casework Officer – Nature & Growth

Natural England; Eastleigh; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural England, the government adviser for the natural environment, seeks a Planning Casework Higher Officer in Eastleigh. You will deliver expert statutory advice on planning applications and development plans, and coordinate input from across the organisation to ensure robust, evidence-based outcomes for nature and communities.

You will work in a hybrid model, balancing site-based and office work, with a focus on timely decisions and collaboration with planners, developers and environmental

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, including providing chargeable services where it supports better environmental outcomes
• Work to statutory targets and deadlines whilst also ensuring all actions are accurately recorded and auditable
• Experience of land-use planning and development management, with a sound understanding of how the planning system can deliver sustainable development and positive environmental outcomes; strong knowledge of environmental legislation, policy and guidance; excellent communication and influencing skills; well-developed organisational and prioritisation skills; good understanding of ecology, nature recovery and environmental protection

Job description

Natural England, the government adviser for the natural environment, seeks a Planning Casework Higher Officer in Eastleigh. You will deliver expert statutory advice on planning applications and development plans, and coordinate input from across the organisation to ensure robust, evidence-based outcomes for nature and communities.

You will work in a hybrid model, balancing site-based and office work, with a focus on timely decisions and collaboration with planners, developers and environmental