Planning Officer (maternity cover) – Development Management
About Us
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) works in partnership with local and national stakeholders to conserve and enhance the National Park as a vibrant, living, working landscape and community teeming with natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.
Covering 615 sq km it is one of the smallest UK National Parks but has one of the most diverse and stunning landscapes and over 21,000 people. This beautiful coastline is backed by hills, estuaries, valleys and woodlands that allow you to discover something different. Pembrokeshire is home to more Blue Flag beaches than any other county in the country.
You will be working with a team of circa 25 people who are all focussed on delivering the National Park purposes. This close-knit team are predominantly based at Llanion in Pembroke Dock but also work remotely. There is a positive, supportive culture within the team.
The Benefits
Salary of £29,572 - £31,067 (Scale 5) per annum.
25 days' holiday plus public holidays, flexible working hours policies and usually an additional 3 days at Christmas/New Year.
Cycle to work scheme - Access to electric vehicles and pool car fleet.
Local Government Pension Scheme - including GP access and mental health support - Discounts and financial support programs
Hybrid working arrangements
The Role
We are now looking for a Planning Officer to join our Development Management team. We are recruiting for maternity cover position (37 hours per week over 12-month contract) however, we will consider applications for part-time or flexible working arrangements and offer hybrid working arrangements once training has been completed.
The Role As a Planning Officer, you will support the delivery of a comprehensive range of planning services across the organisation. This will include providing guidance, validating and processing applications and supporting compliance to help conserve and enhance the park's unique landscape. Collaborating with internal teams and external agencies, you will handle pre-application enquiries, assess and process planning applications and ensure cohesive decision-making. You will also prepare reports, draft recommendations and present findings to the Development Management Committee. Additionally, you will: - Address breaches of planning control - Contribute to developing our planning strategies and policies - Manage applications for advertisements, lawful use certificates, minor amendments, and discharge of conditions - Respond to public and agent enquiries via phone, email, on-line meetings and in person - Represent the Authority at external meetings, assist with appeals, and contribute to Local Development Plan work.
About You
To be considered as a Planning Officer, you will need: - Awareness and appreciation of the purposes of National Parks - Experience of planning and/or development management is desirable but not essential - Experience of preparing reports and statements - The ability to read and understand building plans - To be educated to degree level in an appropriate discipline - Positive approach to dealing with customers and stakeholders, with an ability to deal effectively with difficult customers and controversial situations - Proven ability to proactively manage personal work priorities, to balance conflicting demands to meet deadlines - Excellent IT skills - Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute is desirable - A full, valid driving licence and use of a car is essential.
Please look at the job description for the full detail of the role and responsibilities.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
We pledge to improve the diversity of our workforce and therefore guarantee an interview to disabled candidates, who meet the essential job criteria and opt to apply via our Disability Confident Employers Scheme.
Not the right job opportunity for you? Make sure to check our website for a wide range of varied and interesting volunteering opportunities across the park.
Closing Date: 25/05/2025
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority reserves the right to close this vacancy early.