Principal Forward Planning Officer

PRINCIPAL FORWARD PLANNING OFFICER

GRADE I: SALARY: £42,839 to £46,142 per annum

Mid Devon District Council has started preparing a new Local Plan that will bring forward homes, jobs, community facilities and infrastructure to meet our needs while protecting a high quality natural environment. The Local Plan will have a key role in planning for economic growth, responding to the climate emergency and moving towards net‑zero carbon future.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning policy officer to take a lead role across a range of projects and help us plan for the future of the district through a reformed plan‑making system, working in an attractive rural area close to the city of Exeter and within easy reach of the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, Blackdown Hills National Landscape and the north and south Devon coasts.

We are looking for someone who has significant experience in the preparation of local plans and other planning documents, including writing policies and identifying site options, developing technical evidence and studies (including procuring consultants), and liaising with other service areas in the Council and engagement with a range of stakeholders including statutory consultees and agencies, Town and Parish Councils and local communities.

You will have a sound understanding of plan‑making legislation and the National Planning Policy Framework.

To be successful in this role you must have ambition to deliver amazing places, have a positive approach to challenges, problem solving, and the ability to use your initiative, be able to innovate and seek creative solutions to planning for new homes and jobs and securing the delivery of infrastructure.

You should hold a Planning Degree and have membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

For an informal discussion about the post, contact Tristan Peat, Forward Planning Team Leader on (01884) 234344.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:
Monday 12 January 2026 - 5pm

PROPOSED DATE FOR INTERVIEW: w/c 26 January 2026

POST NUMBER: PF09

VACANCY REFERENCE NUMBER: 2025148

Committed to Equality of Opportunity, we welcome applications from all sections of the community