Planning/Housing/Building Control - Prof - Planning/Housing/Building Control - Prof
Bedford Borough Council plays a central role in shaping place and community, delivering ambitious projects that help residents and businesses thrive. Located within the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor, the Borough is set to benefit from major transformational investment, including the Universal UK Resort, A421/A428 upgrades, East West Rail and emerging New Towns.
This role offers the chance to drive sustainable, inclusive growth and help shape Bedford as a great place to live, work and invest.
We value our people, offering flexible and hybrid working, professional development and a collaborative culture.
You will lead the strategic sites team, negotiate planning performance agreements and deliver a first‑class service across a multi‑disciplinary group including planners, urban designers, landscape architects, ecologists and highways specialists. You will also manage a small caseload and work with enforcement and policy teams.
Strong communication, organisation and customer‑focused service are essential. We offer trust, autonomy and an innovative working environment.
This high‑profile leadership role sits within the Environment Directorate, leading the Council’s strategic sites and PPA agenda. You will need strong planning knowledge, negotiation skills and the ability to make balanced decisions.
Duties include presenting to Planning Committee, representing the Council externally and occasionally acting as expert witness. A full UK driving licence is required. You must be a qualified town planner and RTPI member.
How to Apply
When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria. An optional CV template is provided below.
Closing Date: 19th July 2026
Interview Date(s): W/C 27th July 2026
Please note:
The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:
- a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)
- a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical
For further information, please email [email protected]
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.
Visa Sponsorship
Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
