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Want to develop your planning career in the beautiful countryside?

Written by: Jennifer Jackson
Published on: 9 Feb 2017

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Dave Green, planning manager at Torridge District Council, tells us about the exciting planning roles it’s recruiting for

Want to help shape future developments in an area of outstanding natural beauty? Torridge District Council is looking for forward-thinking planning professionals to lead on ambitious planning projects such as town centre enhancements, renewable energy projects and tourist business expansion.


David Green

Dave Green: “We believe all employees have the potential to grow.”

 

Why would someone want to work for Torridge District Council?

The district covers some of the most spectacular unspoilt coastline and countryside in Devon, most of which is an area of outstanding natural beauty and UNESCO biosphere reserve. We are based in Bideford, North Devon - a popular tourist destination less than an hour’s drive from the M5 motorway, which is an asset many rural businesses draw upon.

We also offer flexible working, generous holiday entitlement, family friendly policies, staff benefit schemes (CSSC and Kaarp) and an excellent local government pension scheme. 

What roles are you currently recruiting for and what do they involve?

In order to deliver the local authority’s visions set out in our plan, we are restructuring the development management team and are currently recruiting for a range of staff: planning technicians, planning officers, major project officers and a team leader.  Each role will provide rewarding opportunities to build your experience and further your career. You will need to be forward-thinking, have an eye for good development and be customer-focused. The planning officers, major projects officer and team leaders will present at council committee meetings and appeals. 

What kind of people are you looking for? 

Due to the range of posts available we are looking for individuals with a range of skills and experience as detailed in each job profile. Individuals should be positive, customer focused, team players and willing to think outside of the box.

The planning officers, major project officer and team leader will need to take the lead in processing and enabling planning applications, pre-planning applications in relation to major development proposals and also to mentor junior staff.

What exciting projects are you working on?

The three market towns of Bideford, Great Torrington and Holsworthy are all experiencing growth with major housing and commercial developments. There are numerous projects currently underway, including urban/rural business expansion, tourist business expansion, quayside redevelopments, renewable energy projects, marine industry developments and town centre enhancements.

Westward

Westward housing development - Torridge District Council

 

What career development opportunities do you offer?

We believe that all employees have the potential to grow, both in their work role and personally and we endeavour to provide these opportunities.  We always encourage our staff to expand their experience in order to further their careers and progress when the opportunities arise.  We are currently funding and supporting two planning graduates through their MSc Planning programme at Plymouth University.

In a nutshell, what is it like working at the council?

Torridge is a great place to live, visit and work.  

Torridge has gone through a number of changes and improvements and we are keen for that journey to continue. We have a very positive outlook towards development – most simply we want to say yes to good development that is going to benefit the people who live and work here, whilst not impacting negatively on the wonderful environment we enjoy.

We are a small local authority that recognises the need to work differently, but by embracing new opportunities, councillors and staff will continue to play their part in helping the people we serve in Torridge to create the best possible future.

 

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