At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage development applications and provide expert planning advice to the community.
- Company: Join Dartmoor National Park Authority, dedicated to preserving natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a beautiful office location.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and the stunning Dartmoor landscape.
- Qualifications: Experience in development management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 39152 £ per year.
Dartmoor National Park Authority is the body that oversees the vibrant, living, working landscape and community that is Dartmoor. We work in partnership with local and national stakeholders to conserve and enhance Dartmoor as a vibrant, living, working landscape and community, teeming with natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.
We are now looking for an experienced Planning Officer to join our Development Management team on a full-time, permanent basis, working 37 hours per week.
The Role
As a Planning Officer, you will deal with a range of development management casework. You will provide advice and guidance on planning-related matters to applicants, agents, the public, authority members and parish/town councils. Taking a team-focused approach to your work, you will:
- Examine and consider a range of applications with the integrated development management team in accordance with statutory deadlines
- Carry out site inspections and negotiations with applicants and/or their agents and specialist staff
- Offer advice by discussion and negotiation with applicants, and/or their agents
- Provide a prompt, helpful and courteous response to pre-application enquiries
- Liaise with the Enforcement team in all matters relating to unauthorised development within the area
- Present reports to the Development Management Committee and at member site inspections
- Monitor approved developments and ensure that the requirements of conditions are met
- Maintain accurate and reliable records
- Prepare appeal statements and proofs of evidence and provide factual evidence at hearings, public inquiries and at Court
- Assist Legal representatives in the preparation of legal agreements
We take responsibility for the breathtaking Dartmoor National Park, and we take this seriously. Your role will be of key importance to the success of our planning activities, and you will be involved in all aspects of our planning work from review and investigation through to hearings and enforcement. You will have the chance to put your stamp on this incredible area of the UK, making a real difference to local communities, businesses and visitors alike.
The Benefits
- Salary of £34,434 - £39,152 per annum (pay award pending)
- Generous annual leave and flexitime policies
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to electric vehicle pool car fleet
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Beautiful office location on National Trust estate, with free parking and café on site
- Discounts at National Park Visitor Centres
- Free parking in our car parks on Dartmoor
About You
To be considered as a Planning Officer, you will need:
- Experience of local government or public sector, working within development management
- A sound knowledge of planning and related legislation and procedures, or an aptitude for learning
- The ability to provide coherent, competent and professional advice, both written and verbal
- An understanding of design principles
- The ability to demonstrate organisational and interpersonal skills required to meet deadlines and to present reports to appropriate meetings
- Practical experience in the use of a range of IT applications for storing, retrieving and communicating information
The ideal candidate will be a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or working towards professional membership. Experience of visiting and dealing with the public, agents and elected Members on development management matters would be beneficial to your application, as would understanding the role of National Park Authorities and planning issues specific to National Parks.
For further information or to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Ollie Dorrell (Senior Planning Officer).
Closing date: Sunday 12th July 2026
Interview date: Thursday 30th July 2026
Dartmoor National Park Authority is a disability confident and an equal opportunities employer, values diversity and is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment.
So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as a Planning Officer, please apply via the button shown.
Planning Officer (Development Management) in Exeter employer: Dartmoor National Park Authority
Dartmoor National Park Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the stunning surroundings of Dartmoor while contributing to the conservation and enhancement of this vibrant landscape. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including flexible working hours, a local government pension scheme, and a supportive work culture, you will find meaningful engagement in your role as a Planning Officer. Join us to make a tangible impact on local communities and enjoy a beautiful office location with access to various perks, including discounts at National Park Visitor Centres.
Contact Details:
Dartmoor National Park Authority Recruitment Team
