Neighbourhood Planning Officer - Fixed term for two years

Overview

Love community-led planning and guiding local areas to shape their future? We’re looking for a motivated and politically aware planning professional to join our Planning Policy, Infrastructure and Delivery Team as our Neighbourhood Plans Officer. Working closely with town and parish councils, local communities, councillors, and senior officers, you’ll take the lead on supporting Neighbourhood Plans across the district—helping ensure they align with the Council’s Local Plan and respond to the unique and sensitive character of the New Forest. On occasion, work may also be required to support discreet tasks relating to the Local Plan where this relates to this role. This is a 2-year fixed-term contract, advertised at 37 hours per week, but we welcome applications for reduced or flexible hours.

Why this role matters

Neighbourhood planning in the New Forest is both rewarding and challenging. You’ll be operating in a high-profile political environment, where balancing national policy, local priorities, environmental protection, and strong public interest is essential. The district includes:

• internationally protected landscapes,
• high levels of development pressure,
• complex stakeholder relationships,
• communities passionate about shaping the places where they live.

Your ability to work confidently with elected Members, community groups, statutory bodies and planning professionals will be crucial in ensuring neighbourhood plans are robust, deliverable and locally supported.

About The Role

Some key elements of the role include:

• Lead the Council’s day-to-day engagement in neighbourhood planning.
• Advise and guide parish and town councils through every stage of neighbourhood plan preparation.
• Present to local communities and councillors on the neighbourhood planning process.
• Coordinate responses from internal services and external bodies.
• Support examinations.
• Coordinate referendums and adoption processes.
• Apply strong judgement in a politically sensitive context with high public visibility.
• Support the preparation of the local plan where appropriate.

About You

We are looking for someone that can bring:

• A degree in a relevant built or natural environment subject (RTPI accredited or eligible preferred).
• Strong communication skills, with confidence presenting in public and political settings.
• Experience working with communities and an understanding of the neighbourhood planning process.
• The ability to balance differing viewpoints, manage complex issues, and work creatively under pressure.
• A genuine interest in planning policy and community-led plan making.

What’s in it for you?

• £40,174 to £43,236 per annum (pay award pending) - up to £44,472 per annum (pay award pending) for exceptional performance once in post
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional 5 days for 5 years local authority continuous service.
• Local Government Pension Scheme and AVC provision
• Hybrid Working
• Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores and restaurants
• A Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40 percent on cycles and accessories
• Employee Assistance Programme (free 24 hour legal, financial and personal advice for employees).

About Us

As one of the largest districts in the country, with 6 towns and a close relationship with neighbouring conurbations, the New Forest provides a supportive environment in which everyone who works for us can help drive our aims. At NFDC we believe that all our employees make a valuable contribution to the work of the council and that’s why we encourage a trusting and open culture where each employee is supported and respected equally, where ideas are actively sought and self-development promoted. We also recognise the value of a highly motivated and engaged workforce and we actively promote a good work/life balance. We’re keen to support career development and help all colleagues to be the best they can be.

We are proud of our values. LEAF: Learning, Empathy, Ambition, Fairness.

To view full details of what you can expect from working for NFDC and to view the full job description, please click on the candidate pack attached. Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work: Working for NFDC.

Additional information

If you’re ambitious and passionate, are driven to deliver, and want to be part of our team, we welcome your application. Please note: You’ll likely be aware that as part of the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the current organisation will transition into a new operating structure from 1 April 2028. It is important that applicants understand how this may affect their employment should they be successful. You will find attached a useful LGR update sheet at top of this advert.

After reading the job description of what the role will involve, you feel you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Dean Brunton at dean.brunton@nfdc.gov.uk or Andrew.Herring@nfdc.gov.uk.

Please note you will not be able to access the attachments (candidate pack which includes the job description or the people strategy) once this advert has closed.

Closing date: 11pm on 10th May 2026

Interview Date: TBC

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