Planning Policy Officer

This is an exciting time for Central Bedfordshire. As one of the largest Unitary Authorities in the country, our unique geographical location means we are at the focus of national conversations around growth. The government has reintroduced the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor as a priority area for development and economic investment, which along with potentially significant investment in infrastructure, with schemes such as East-West Rail, has the potential to act as a great catalyst for future growth in Central Bedfordshire. We also have the new Universal Studios resort being delivered right on our doorstep and the prospect of a New Town at Tempsford.
Working within the Strategic Growth team, you will be responsible for helping to deliver the Council's statutory and non-statutory Planning functions including the creation of evidence-based policies and guidance. You will be involved in policy planning projects from conception to conclusion including supporting the commissioning and preparation of evidence for the Council to support the new Local Plan.
The new Local Plan is in the early stages of development and will hopefully be one of the front-runners delivered under the new Planning Regulations. Now is a great time to be joining the team. You will be involved from the early stages right through to examination and adoption.
Your Role
As a Planning Officer, you will be part of the Strategic Plan Partnership team within Strategic Growth, supporting Managers, Principal and Senior Officers as well as managing your own workload. Your ability to communicate effectively, work under pressure, prioritise and manage workloads to meet identified deadlines all to a high standard, is therefore essential.
You will play a big part in helping to achieve the Council's priorities and objectives. With both internal and external customers depending on your skills, you will find your greatness using your professional expertise in a strategic as well as local environment.
You'll work across the full range of Planning disciplines, and with a variety of customers, including Councillors and developers looking to you for specialist support and guidance, it's vital that you understand and uphold best practice.

You will have a relevant Master's Degree (or equivalent qualification), be a Member, or working towards becoming a member, of the Royal Town Planning Institute and have some relevant experience working in a forward planning environment within a local authority.
With emerging political and commercial awareness, and good communication skills, you will have a desire for helping to influence others and working in partnership and be committed to evidence-based decision making.
There are excellent opportunities for career progression within Central Bedfordshire Council. We are a recognised RTPI Learning Partner, demonstrating our commitment to the training and development of our staff.