What is it like to work at Gosport Borough Council?
We spoke to Simon Barnett, principal planning officer at Gosport Borough Council, to find out about the team culture and the roles it’s recruiting for.
Tell me about Gosport Borough Council and the work you do
My role includes dealing with planning applications relating to the major development sites in the borough. These are mainly ex-military sites which have a complex and challenging mix of constraints that are often in direct conflict. I work with site owners, developers and a range of key consultees to ensure that the most a sustainable form of development is delivered on each site without prejudicing its heritage or environmental significance.
What roles are you currently recruiting for and what kind of people would suit?
We have a range of different opportunities across the planning & regeneration section, partly resulting from existing vacant posts and partly following a review of existing resources. We are looking for people with enthusiasm and a collaborative approach to working and excellent communication skills to help deliver a range of projects to take the borough forward.
Find out more about the planning roles at Gosport Borough Council
What do you think makes a ‘wonderful workplace’?
Somewhere that makes the prospect of coming to work a positive experience and where you feel like you can make a positive difference to any area and the people who live and work there.
What exciting projects are you working on?
My current workload includes the delivery of the latest phase of regeneration of a former military armaments facility through the permitting of sensitively designed residential development. This will enable and secure the long term future of a range of vacant listed buildings and provide additional visitor attractions within the wider site.
Other projects include the delivery of employment led mixed use development of part of a former naval airfield with a focus on advanced engineering and manufacturing with a focus on the marine, aerospace and aviation sectors.
Why would someone want to work at Gosport Borough Council?
The borough is located on the south coast overlooking the Solent and Isle of Wight with views of Portsmouth Harbour. It has a long military history and is surrounded by internationally designated sites that host a range of protected and endangered species in unique coastal environments. The nature of the historic and natural environment of the borough results in a challenging, varied and interesting workload. We’re a small team but this does provide the opportunity to get involved with and obtain good experience from working on a wide range of projects in a very supportive and developmental focused environment.
What opportunities for training and development do you offer?
There are excellent opportunities to work on a range of planning projects and directly feed in to reviewing and improving the overall service for our customers. Individual training requirements for each member of staff are regularly reviewed.
What top tips would you offer those applying for one of the planning roles?
I think genuine enthusiasm to make a difference and work collaboratively in a team are qualities that are really important to convey and perhaps doing a bit of familiarisation work on the challenges and opportunities that Gosport faces.
Sum up what it’s like to work at Gosport Borough Council
The council is proactive and forward thinking with continued regeneration at the heart of its future growth. As a result there is a positive work ethic based on collaborative team working to maximise the potential of the borough to provide a sustainable mix of homes, jobs and economic activity.
Click on the links below to find out more about each role and apply:
- Development management officer
- Senior development management officer
- Development manager
- Planning officer - grade 6
- Conservation and design officer
- Principal planning officer (planning policy)
Explore planning job opportunities at Gosport Borough Council
