Apply for planning roles

Fenland District Council is recruiting to several planning roles - including senior positions - as its planning team enters an exciting new era.

Please click on the role you're interested in to skip to more information on it:

Head of planning

Total package of £76,640 to £81,200 in years One and Three of employment due to 10% market supplement in Year One and retention payment in Year Three, includes £6,729 car allowance

Ongoing salary: £63,556 - £67,702 and car allowance of £6,729

A relocation package may also be available

Full time 37 hours permanent contract

Fenland District Council is an award-winning progressive organisation, set in the heart of a scenic and unique rural landscape in north Cambridgeshire with diverse market towns and villages and good transport links to London, Cambridge, Peterborough and the North Norfolk coast.

Our positive, can-do culture enables us to punch above our weight and empowers staff to go that extra mile in delivering important services for local people.

This is an exciting time to join us as the council is committed to the preparation of a new Local Plan which will deliver sustainable housing growth aligned to increased economic activity and improved infrastructure. It is also committed to the transformation of the planning service.

To deliver this bold vision for the future and drive change, we are looking for a new Head of Planning. You will lead our in-house Planning Policy, Development Management, Enforcement, and Technical Support teams as well as client manage the council's part of an externalised shared Building Control Service. You will continue to develop our 'One Team' culture providing flexibility, mutual support, high performance and staff reward and recognition.

This high profile role will require considerable energy, flexibility and innovative thinking and close working relationships with elected members and your fellow senior managers throughout the organisation.

We are seeking an influential leader who is solution driven and committed to continuous improvement.

We are a friendly council which values inclusive thinking and ways of working. We encourage applications for this interesting role from people from all diversity groups and backgrounds.

The council operates a flexi-time scheme as well as offering a number of other benefits, including relocation package, hybrid working, car allowance, free car parking, discounted access to leisure facilities and the payment of professional fees.

If you want to develop your career with a positive and forward-thinking organisation, we would like to hear from you.

To apply, please read the guidance notes and complete an application form (linked to below) and send to the Human Resources team, preferably by email to Recruitment@fenland.gov.uk or post to the HR Team, at Fenland District Council, Room 48, Fenland Hall, County Road, March, PE15 8NQ.

Download an application form below, or request one by calling our Customer Services team on 01354 654321 or by emailing Recruitment@fenland.gov.uk

Please note, CV's are not accepted.

To arrange an informal chat about this role prior to application, please contact Carol Pilson, Corporate Director, on cpilson@fenland.gov.uk, 01354 622360 or 07850 924608.

Closing date: 5pm, Monday 8th January 2024.

Interviews: Wednesday 17^th& Thursday 18^th January 2024

Before applying please view: Head of Planning - Job description and person specification (Word doc) [372KB]

Principal Planning Officer

Total package of £59,643 to £66,900 in years One and Three of employment due to 10% market supplement in Year One and retention payment in Year Three, includes £5,280 car allowance

Ongoing salary: £49,421 to £56,018 and car allowance of £5,280

A relocation package may also be available

Fenland District Council is an award-winning progressive organisation, set in the heart of a scenic and unique rural landscape in north Cambridgeshire with affordable house prices, diverse market towns and villages with good transport links to London, Cambridge, Peterborough and the North Norfolk coast.

Our positive, can-do culture enables us to punch above our weight and empowers staff to go that extra mile in delivering important services for local people.

This is an ideal opportunity for career and professional development within a busy but friendly team dealing with a range of developments and challenges and would be ideal for individuals wishing to take the next step.

You will have a small, interesting and varied caseload related to major development sites and other growth projects and will be responsible for one of our two development management teams.

Attendance at Planning Committee and representing the council at appeal are key parts of the role, as well as supporting the Planning Enforcement team and Conservation Officer and Planning Policy function alongside your management colleagues.

The council operates a generous flexi-time scheme as well as offering several other benefits, including hybrid working, a car user allowance, free car parking, discounted access to leisure facilities and the payment of professional fees. If you want to develop your career with a positive and forward-thinking organisation, we would like to hear from you.

Download an application form below, or request one by calling our Customer Services team on 01354 654321 or by emailing Recruitment@fenland.gov.uk

Please note, CV's are not accepted.

For an informal discussion about the role contact Development Manager David Rowen on drowen@fenland.gov.uk or 01354 622587 or 07864 620006. Or Head of Planning Nick Harding on nharding@fenland.gov.uk or 07593 101090. Or Principal Development Management Officer Sheila Black on sblack@fenland.gov.uk or 07752 700195.

Closing date: 5pm, Monday 8th January 2024.

Interviews: Friday, 19th January 2024.

Before applying please view: Principal Planning Officer - job description & person specification (Word doc) [201KB]

Senior Development Management Officer

Full time / part time and casual roles available

£37,340 to £53,321 in years One and Three of employment due to 10% market supplement in Year One and retention payment in Year Three, plus essential car user allowance based on individual's car

Ongoing salary: £33,945 to £48,474 plus essential car user allowance based on individual's car

A relocation package may also be available

Our positive, can-do culture enables us to punch above our weight and empowers staff to go that extra mile in delivering important services for local people.

You will have an interesting and varied caseload covering various forms of commercial and residential development as well as major development sites and other growth projects. Attendance at Planning Committee and representing the council at appeal are key parts of the role, as well as supporting the Planning Enforcement team and junior staff.

Download an application form below, or request one by calling our Customer Services team on 01354 654321 or by emailing Recruitment@fenland.gov.uk

Please note, CV's are not accepted.

Closing date: 5pm, Monday 8th January 2024.

Interviews: Friday 19th January 2024.

Before applying please view: Senior Development Officer - job description & person specification (Word doc) [224KB]

Planning Policy Manager

Total package of £59,643 to £66,900 in years One and Three of employment due to 10% market supplement in Year One and retention payment in Year Three, includes £5,280 car allowance

Ongoing salary: £49,421 to £56,018 and car allowance of £5,280

A relocation package may also be available

Our positive, can-do culture enables us to punch above our weight and empowers staff to go that extra mile in delivering important services for local people.

This is an exciting role for an enthusiastic and dynamic person to take a lead role in our Planning Policy team. We are a local authority that has a positive approach towards development and a track record of preparing innovative planning policies and we are seeking a Planning Policy Manager to drive high performance through motivation, empowerment and creativity.

We are currently in the process of producing our Local Plan. You would be driving our skilled and conscientious Planning Policy team to take the Local Plan through to its final submission version, examination, and adoption through working with elected members, stakeholders and other Fenland District Council teams.

The council operates a generous flexi-time scheme together with hybrid working and is offering a number of other benefits, including: a car allowance and mileage allowance, free office car parking, the payment of professional fees, relocation assistance (subject to qualification) and discounted access to leisure facilities. If you want to develop your career with a positive and forward-thinking organisation, we would like to hear from you.

Download an application form below, or request one by calling our Customer Services team on 01354 654321 or by emailing Recruitment@fenland.gov.uk.

For an informal discussion about the role contact Development Manager David Rowen on drowen@fenland.gov.uk or 01354 622587 or 07864 620006 or Head of Planning Nick Harding on nharding@fenland.gov.uk or 07593 101090.

Please note, CV's are not accepted.

Closing date: 5pm, Monday 8th January 2024.

Interviews: Wednesday 24th January 2024.

Before applying please view: Planning Policy Manager - job description & person specification (Word doc) [204KB]

Planning Policy Officer

Total package £37,340 to £53,321 in years One and Three of employment due to 10% market supplement in Year One and retention payment in Year Three, plus essential car user allowance based on individual's car

Ongoing salary of £33,945 to £48,474 plus essential car user allowance based on individual's car

A relocation package may also be available

Fenland District Council has a track record of supporting our communities by delivering sustainable growth that improves quality of life across the district. It is an exciting time to join the council as we look to complete our new Local Plan.

You will play a leading role in driving our draft Local Plan through to its conclusion, through examination and ultimate adoption by working closely with elected members, stakeholders and other Fenland District Council teams to deliver on our pro-growth agenda.

This is a great opportunity for someone who already has some experience within planning or someone starting out in their career looking to develop their skills across a wide range of activities, with a focus on the Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plans and other exciting projects like the new Anglian Water and Cambridge Water Fens Reservoir project.

As well as an understanding of planning we will need someone who is an excellent communicator who can work well with others. You will be part of a small team and therefore we are looking for a motivated individual who will enjoy the challenge of helping deliver a high profile service.

We are committed to training and development and the wellbeing of our staff. We have a 'One Team' culture where you will find support from all areas of the council to help you fulfil your role. Your time can be split between our offices and working from home and we will provide you with all necessary equipment to work in an agile way.

We are a friendly council which values inclusive thinking and ways of working and we encourage applications for this interesting role from people from all diversity groups and backgrounds.

We offer a range of benefits and working arrangements to support employees, including discounted gym membership, retail discounts, health care plan, and free parking.

Download an application form below, or request one by calling our Customer Services team on 01354 654321 or by emailing Recruitment@fenland.gov.uk.

Please note, CV's are not accepted.

Closing date: 5pm, Monday 8th January 2024.

Interviews: Wednesday 24th January 2024.

Before applying please view: Planning Policy Officer - job description and person specification (Word doc) [205KB]

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer

Total package £42,045 to £47,763 in years One and Three of employment due to 10% market supplement in Year One and retention payment in Year Three, plus essential car user allowance based on individual's car

Ongoing salary: £38,223 to £43,421, plus essential car user allowance based on individual's car

A relocation package may also be available

Are you an existing planning enforcement officer looking to take the next step up? We have an exciting opportunity for somebody to lead a dedicated planning compliance team handling a range of enforcement cases across Fenland District.

You will need to demonstrate that you a strong team player, customer focussed and solution driven. Significant previous experience in Planning Enforcement is essential. You will have your own caseload and will be responsible for managing and mentoring a junior member of staff.

Enforcement sits within the council's Planning Service which has a team working and supportive approach at its core. As you would expect, you will be working with other services within the council and external agencies to get the necessary outcomes.

Fenland is a rural district in north Cambridgeshire with four market towns at its heart. Our offices are located in March, five minutes walk from the railway station. There is good access to the coast, Cambridge, London (via the east coast main line at nearby Peterborough) and beyond with very accessible house prices.

On top of the salary, there is a car and travel allowance, payment of one professional subscription, free office parking, discounted leisure centre access and training and development opportunities.

Download an application form below, or request one by calling our Customer Services team on 01354 654321 or by emailing Recruitment@fenland.gov.uk

Please note, CV's are not accepted.

Closing date: 5pm, Monday 8th January 2024.

Interviews: Monday 22nd January 2024.

Before applying please view: Senior Planning Enforcement Officer - job description & person specification (Word doc) [216KB]

Assistant Planning Enforcement Officer

Total package £30,583 to £37,340 in years One and Three of employment due to 10% market supplement in Year One and retention payment in Year Three, plus essential car user allowance based on individual's car

Ongoing salary: £27,803 to £33,945, plus essential car user allowance based on individual's car

The postholder will handle a varied body of casework through every stage of the planning enforcement process, reading plans and legal documentation, understanding site history, relevant regulations and planning law, communicating effectively, inspecting sites, keeping accurate records, making appropriate recommendations for action and, where appropriate, drafting and serving notices.

This is an opportunity for an experienced professional to undertake varied work with independence, or for a less experienced candidate to gain an accelerated knowledge of development control planning in a condensed period.

You must be comfortable dealing with people in difficult and challenging situations, which may arise from time-to-time and with occasional working out of normal office hours. The role involves regular site visits (so a valid driving licence and access to a car is essential) and working with internal and external colleagues.

You will be working in a team consisting of a Senior Officer to guide, support and mentor you as appropriate. The enforcement team operates as a distinct entity within the wider planning team, but you will be an active part of both, benefiting from updates, insights, and research work regarding the latest developments in planning regulations, caselaw, appeals and guidance.

Fenland District Council is an award-winning progressive organisation, set in the heart of a scenic and unique rural landscape in north Cambridgeshire with charming market towns and villages, accesible house prices and good transport links to London, Cambridge, Peterborough and the North Norfolk coast.

On top of the salary, there is a car and travel allowance, payment of one professional subscription, free office parking and discounted leisure centre access. There is also access to training and development opportunities. We operate flexi-time working arrangements as well as operating on a hybrid basis allowing you to work from home part of the working week.

Download an application form below, or request one by calling our Customer Services team on 01354 654321 or by emailing Recruitment@fenland.gov.uk

Please note, CV's are not accepted.

Closing date: 5pm, Monday 8th January 2024.

Interviews: Monday 22nd January 2024.

Before applying please view: Assistant Planning Enforcement Officer - job description & person specification (Word doc) [214KB]

Tree Officer

Total package: £37,340 to £42,045 in years One and Three of employment due to 10% market supplement in Year One and retention payment in Year Three, plus essential car user allowance based on individual's car

Ongoing salary: £33,945 to £38,223, plus essential car user allowance based on individual's car

A relocation package may also be available

We have a great opportunity for a qualified arboriculturist to join us at Fenland District Council here in north Cambridgeshire. Fenland District Council is an award-winning progressive organisation, set in the heart of a scenic and unique rural landscape with affordable house prices, diverse market towns and villages with good transport links to London, Cambridge, Peterborough and the North Norfolk coast.

Our positive, can-do culture enables us to punch above our weight and empowers staff to go that extra mile in delivering important services for local people.

As a key player in our team, you will work for both Parks & Open Spaces as well as the Planning team. For the former you will be responsible for evaluation, data collection, remedial action and pro-active responses to all issues regarding our stock of trees (circa 4,000). Fenland District Council has never had its own tree officer before and much of the role will involve the establishment of a tree register using EzyTreev software. Knowledge and prior use of this product is desirable.

For the planning element of the role, you will comment on the implications of new developments on trees, advising of tree works applications for conservation area protected trees and TPO trees and also engage in the establishment of new TPOs and the review of existing TPOs.

Applicants will need to be qualified to Level 4 in Arboriculture, be able to work under minimal supervision and direction, be tech-savvy, a good communicator, confident in dealing with the public, resourceful and flexible. A fuller list of attributes is available in the job description (below). A full, current, driving licence is also essential for which a monthly car allowance will be paid plus mileage.

The council operates a flexi-time scheme as well as offering a number of other benefits, including hybrid working, free car parking, discounted access to leisure facilities and the payment of professional fees. If you want to develop your career with a positive and forward-thinking organisation, we would like to hear from you.

Download an application form below, or request one by calling our Customer Services team on 01354 654321 or by emailing Recruitment@fenland.gov.uk

Please note, CV's are not accepted.

For an informal chat about the role, contact Nick Harding, Head of Planning on nharding@fenland.gov.uk or 07593 101090 or Kevin Wilkins, horticultural officer, on kwilkins@fenland.gov.uk or 07810 856909.

Closing date: 5pm, Monday 8th January 2024.

Interviews: Tuesday 23rd January 2024.

Before applying please view: Tree Officer - job description & person specification (Word doc) [103KB]

Section 106 Monitoring Officer

£30,269 to £33,945

Fenland District Council is an award-winning progressive organisation, set in the heart of a scenic and unique rural landscape in north Cambridgeshire with diverse market towns and villages with good transport links to London, Cambridge, Peterborough and the North Norfolk coast.

Our positive, can-do culture enables us to punch above our weight and empowers staff to go that extra mile in delivering important services for local people.

This is a new post following the decision to bring this workstream in-house. This is an opportunity for career and professional development. You will be able to work on your own in a fast-paced environment. You will be familiar with the use of Excel and Access and be able to work quickly, accurately and be able to work closely with colleagues both inside and outside the council.

The position involves recording the provisions of legal agreements, monitoring development so that developers are invoiced for monies due, recording received funds, monitoring fund return dates, alerting services areas in the council and relevant external partners to the availability of funds, evaluating if spend projects comply with the legal agreements, the release of funds and recording this.

As well as your S106 related work you will support colleagues in preparing information and data to assist in the preparation and implementation of the Local Plan and other related planning policy work streams and development monitoring, including statutory returns and Freedom of Information requests.

The council operates a generous flexi-time scheme together with hybrid working and is offering a number of other benefits, including free office car parking, the payment of professional fees, relocation assistance (subject to qualification) and a discounted leisure scheme. If you want to develop your career with a positive and forward-thinking organisation, we would like to hear from you.

Download an application form below, or request one by calling our Customer Services team on 01354 654321 or by emailing Recruitment@fenland.gov.uk

Please note, CV's are not accepted.

Closing date: 5pm, Monday 8th January 2024.

Interviews: Tuesday 23rd January 2024.

Before applying please view: S106 Monitoring Officer - Job description & person specification (Word doc) [220KB]

For more information about Fenland's planning team visions see: Planning and development control roles at Fenland District Council

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