Wealden is a large rural district council located in a stunning area of the South East of England reaching from the south coast either side of Eastbourne and the South Downs National Park, up to the High Weald and Ashdown Forest along the borders of Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead in the north.

Whilst Wealden is a rural area, much of which is within High Weald AONB, it does have a very buoyant local economy being so close to London, Gatwick Airport and key UK holiday destinations.  Casework has slowed due to COVID19 but we are used to dealing with significant numbers of planning applications for a range of new housing, conversions and employment schemes. Our COVID19 recovery is set out and we are confident we will once again be one of the busiest district planning authorities in the country.

Reporting to the Head of Planning and Environmental Services, you will be responsible for managing the Development Management teams and the Planning Enforcement and Environment team, to ensure best practice in service delivery for Development Management. Working closely with the Head of Service and respective Committee Chairman and Members you will ensure the service has a proactive business friendly approach to development and co-ordinate the work of the different teams, providing a single point of contact on all professional planning matters.

You will be preparing reports and attending briefing meetings, Committees and Sub-Committees and must have excellent interpersonal skills to represent the Council at all levels and to liaise effectively with other departments across the organisation and externally. 

You will be an experienced officer knowledgeable in the field of Development Management and be supervising staff in your present role. You will have excellent communication skills, a degree level standard of education in a relevant subject and full membership of the RTPI.

We offer an excellent package including competitive salary, relocation allowance where applicable, career average salary pension scheme, some homeworking, an employee benefit scheme offering a range of discounts and salary sacrifice schemes, flexitime and discounted leisure centre membership.

If you are looking for part time hours, there is a possibility that this post could be available as a job share subject to discussion.

For an informal chat please contact Stacey Robins Head of Planning and Environmental Services (Stacey.Robins@wealden.gov.uk)

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities and all applications will be treated on merit.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the majority of our staff are continuing to work from home at present. Therefore, if you have any queries regarding this vacancy, please contact us via email where possible at human.resources@wealden.gov.uk