Sustainable Places Planning Advisor

Environment Agency; Eastbourne; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK environmental agency is seeking a motivated individual to join the Solent & South Downs Sustainable Places Team. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of planning work, build strong partnerships to achieve positive environmental outcomes, and coordinate specialist advice. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant discipline and experience with planning systems. The role supports flexible working in a hybrid model with an office base in Romsey, Chichester, or Worthing.

Qualifications

• Degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with relevant planning systems and environmental issues.
• Understanding of the Environment Agency and its role within the Town and Country Planning System.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of planning work, including applications and environmental impact assessments.
• Build strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Coordinate advice from specialists and present it clearly.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Negotiation

Education

Degree level in a relevant discipline

Job description

The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it for the benefit of our staff, communities, and the environment. We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Solent & South Downs Sustainable Places Team. This is an opportunity to help create places where people and nature thrive for generations.

What you’ll do

• Manage a varied caseload of planning work, including applications, Environmental Impact Assessments, and marine licensing.
• Build strong relationships with partners and stakeholders to achieve positive environmental outcomes.
• Coordinate advice from specialists across the Agency and present it clearly and confidently.
• Embrace new ways of working to improve efficiency and customer service while managing your own workload.

If you’re passionate about shaping sustainable growth and influencing planning decisions that make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. We provide an inclusive incident‑management objective in your development plan and appropriate training. Our team takes pride in delivering environmental results, working pragmatically, and constantly improving through evidence‑driven, business‑focused, and customer‑oriented approaches.

You will have an Agency Office base at either Romsey, Chichester or Worthing in a flexible hybrid model that balances office and home work. Some occasional travel to team meetings may be required.

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to competency questions. Interview will be held via MS Teams on the week commencing 19th January 2026. For questions contact [e-mail]. Use of AI in applications must be truthful and factual; plagiarism may result in withdrawal.

Assessment Competencies

• “Providing technical advice on Planning Liaison consultations” – Example question: "Give an example of when you have used your knowledge of the land use planning system in practice and explain how it benefits you in this role."
• “Takes Decisions and Solves Problems” – Example question: "Describe a time when you solved a particularly complex problem:
  • What was the problem?
  • What made it complex?
  • What information did you need?
  • What were the main challenges and how did you overcome them?
  • What was the outcome?
  • What did you learn and would you do differently next time?
  ">
• “Communicates Effectively” – Example question: "What attributes make a good communicator? Please give examples of times when you demonstrated these attributes."
• “Uses Initiative” – (content omitted for brevity)

Qualifications

• Degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with relevant planning systems and environmental issues.
• Understanding of the Environment Agency and its role within the Town and Country Planning System.
• Ability to think strategically and see the bigger picture.
• Positive, approachable, and enthusiastic attitude with a drive for innovation.
• Strong time‑management and organisational skills, with flexibility to meet changing priorities.
• Self‑motivation and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and relationship‑building skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work effectively with diverse backgrounds and promote inclusion.
• Confidence in negotiation and influencing, supported by a wide professional network.
• Sound decision‑making skills when faced with complex or competing factors.

We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share. The Environment Agency is a Non‑Departmental Public Body and is not part of the HM Civil Service. Continuous service is not applicable except where applicable under specific legislation.