Principal Planner 

Leeds City Council 

SALARY: PO4 - £38,890 to £41,881

HOURS: 37

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent

CLOSES: Wednesday 8 December 2021 

Climate Change and Energy Planner

Leeds is a fast growing city and the main driver of a city region with a £64.6 billion economy.  The City has declared a Climate Emergency with challenging targets to be zero carbon by 2030.  In achieving this, Leeds is thinking outside of the box and looking for innovative planning solutions to sustainable development in a modern northern economy.  Leeds is integrating its approaches to climate change within an inclusive growth and a health and well-being framework so that it becomes a sustainable and resilient City which is founded on high quality place-making.    

About the role

We are looking to appoint a dynamic and experienced energy and climate change specialist to provide high quality advice on planning applications, plan-making and projects. You will work within the Strategic Planning Service, which includes: the Policy & Plans Group (responsible for development and implementation of Leeds’ statutory Development Plan) and the Environment & Design Group (specialist advice and stewardship for urban design, architecture, biodiversity, landscape, heritage and conservation, contaminated land and trees).  You will advise Development Management colleagues, the Council’s Council House building programme and Capital Projects as well as helping to define the City’s approach to dealing with the challenges of Climate Change and Carbon Management through the Local Plan Update, which is at initial consultation stage.

Working within the Design & Projects Team of the Environment & Design Group you will assess energy, emissions and climate impacts on ‘live’ proposals, undertake technical projects, inc. energy masterplans and monitor data to help ensure that the City is on the right energy pathway to net zero. 

This will involve keeping abreast of changing national policy and legislation and working closely with sub-regional partners on strategic matters.  You will be supported by and work with colleagues across the Council.

About you

You will have extensive knowledge of sustainability, climate science and energy, especially as it relates to building performance.  This will be gained from relevant qualifications and work experience within Local Government or a relevant organisation.  You will have worked with a wide range of stakeholders and will be able to represent Leeds at a senior level. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of climate change impacts, and innovation and creativity in tackling these through design and place-making.  You will be able to utilise a wide range of digital tools to deliver projects and will need to demonstrate the ability to provide and defend expert advice (including at appeal) and prepare guidance both informally and in formal settings to a wide range of stakeholders.

Learn, grow and develop

At Leeds we are committed to supporting our officers to grow and from day one we’ll support you to succeed through ongoing learning and development. 

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Martin Elliot, Head of Strategic Planning on martin.elliot@leeds.gov.uk or 0113 37 87634

To apply online, please visit the Leeds City Council jobs site by clicking on the Apply button below.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is a Stonewall Top 100 employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK  - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.