Help us shape the future of the New Forest
Are you enthusiastic, capable and ambitious and looking to further a career in planning? Do you want to work in a unique and special area where you will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of complex and major planning applications and proposals to deliver high quality development in one of the most attractive and environmentally sensitive areas of the country?
The New Forest is a truly special place – home to vibrant communities, thriving businesses, internationally important landscapes and unique environmental designations. As we continue to shape the future of our district, we are looking for an experienced and inspirational planning professional to join us as a Development Management Team Leader.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a high-performing development management team, influence the delivery of sustainable growth, and help balance the need for development with the protection of our exceptional natural environment. The role combines team leadership, strategic decision-making and hands-on involvement in some of the most complex and high-profile planning proposals across the district.
About the role:
We are looking for an individual with substantial experience in Development Management, including experience of handling major and complex planning applications.
In this vital planning role, you will enjoy the challenge of working within a busy team and will lead and manage one of our Development Management teams, ensuring high professional standards, excellent customer service and strong performance delivery by exercising delegated powers and approval of reports for Planning Committee consideration.
Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy, procedures and development management practice is required alongside excellent report-writing, presentation and communication skills. You will provide expert advice on complex and sensitive planning proposals and support officers in reaching sound planning decisions. Your skill set will include strong project management and organisational ability and the confidence to work independently and make sound professional judgements on a variety of planning matters.
You’ll be a confident communicator, with the ability to work proactively with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including Councillors, parish councils, planning agents and members of the public.
We welcome constructive and respectful challenge with the aim of continuously improving the service for our residents and businesses. The Council is embarking on a process of transformation and this is an opportunity to bring your fresh perspective to our well-established and friendly team of professionals.
What’s in it for you?
-
£53,179 – £56,546 per annum (Up to £58,748 for exceptional performance) pay award pending
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (plus an additional 5 days for 5 years local authority continuous service).
- Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores and restaurants
- A Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40 percent on cycles and accessories
- Local Government Pension Scheme and AVC provision
- Employee Assistance Programme (free 24 hour legal, financial and personal advice for employees).
About us
As one of the largest districts in the country, with 6 towns and a close relationship with neighbouring conurbations, the New Forest provides a supportive environment in which everyone who works for us can help drive our aims.
We recognise the value of a highly motivated and engaged workforce and we actively encourage a good work/life balance. We offer a modern and flexible smart working approach, including remote and home working whenever this fits with service delivery. We are open to discussing flexible working options and applications from candidates who would like to work part time will also be considered.
At NFDC we believe that all our employees make a valuable contribution to the work of the Council and that's why we encourage a trusting and open culture where each employee is supported and respected equally, where ideas are actively sought and self-development promoted.
We are proud of our new values for 2024, please watch this short video to find out more. LEAF Learning Empathy Ambition Fairness (youtube.com)
If you're ambitious and passionate, are driven to deliver, and want to be part of our team, we welcome your application.
Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work: Working for NFDC
To view full details of what you can expect from working for NFDC and to view the full job description, please click on the candidate pack attached.
After reading the job description of what the role will involve, you feel you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Warren Simmonds, Development Management Team Leader on 02380 285467.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use AI tools to assist with completing their application. Please bear in mind it’s important that your application remains an accurate and honest reflection of your own skills, experience, and achievements. Please ensure that any content generated or supported by AI truly represents you and your capabilities, as this will form the basis of our assessment throughout the recruitment process
Closing date: Friday 14th August 2026
Interview Dates: Friday 11th September 2026
