At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of the borough through innovative planning and policy development.
- Company: Fareham Borough Council, a dynamic local authority with exciting development opportunities.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, employee discounts, and management experience.
- Other info: Join a proactive team and take ownership of your projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development and environmental challenges.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or related field; experience in planning policy is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We are looking to appoint a Senior Planner within our Planning Strategy service to work as part of a small team to deliver a new Local Plan for the borough. The post would be suited to experienced planners who are looking to progress their career and have experience in policy development and Plan making. In this new post you will have an exciting opportunity to really make your mark on the future strategy for the borough and will be involved in all aspects of planning strategy and policy development.
Having adopted our Local Plan in April 2023, the authority is about to commence work on a new Local Plan, working to the requirements of the new Plan Making system introduced through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act. Joining the team at this exciting time will give you the opportunity to make a big difference in the future place making of the borough working on everything from consultations, call for sites and site suitability assessments, commissioning and managing consultants undertaking evidence and policy writing.
You will also help to ensure the authority is best placed to meet the challenges and the likely implications of changing national policy including the reintroduction of strategic planning with the emerging Spatial Development Strategy. This post also provides an exciting opportunity to help further develop strategy and policy to deliver development that complements the significant environmental challenges we face, including working with developers and landowners on the practical implementation of mitigation solutions.
The role will also give you the opportunity to work closely with councillors and take a lead role in public engagement as we progress the Plan. The team also works closely with development management planners to advise on the interpretation of policy as we strive to secure high quality, sustainable development within the Borough. You will play a substantial part in us achieving this.
About You
We are looking for a positive, enthusiastic and proactive planner to join our organisation and play a key role in shaping the future of the borough. You will have an opportunity to really make your mark on policy development. You will have a qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline and be eligible for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Considerable experience of working in planning policy and experience in dealing with complex planning issues will be a major advantage. The team culture is that individuals take ownership and responsibility for their workload, so excellent communication skills, initiative and the ability to work under pressure are essential.
About Us
Fareham Borough Council is a local authority for the area midway between Portsmouth and Southampton. Local Government services are split between Fareham Borough Council and Hampshire County Council. The Borough has a highly diverse character. It contains a number of urban settlements of varying size with many surrounded by countryside. The Meon Valley runs north-south through the centre of the Borough with the River Hamble marking the western edge of the Borough. Much of the southern edge of the Borough adjoins The Solent, which contains a number of habitat sites of national and international importance whilst the South Downs adjoin the northeastern side of the Borough. Thirteen Conservation Areas are located around the Borough, along with approximately 600 listed buildings. The Town of Fareham contains a well preserved Georgian High Street with the village of Titchfield developed around a medieval core. Notwithstanding the modest area of the Borough, there are a number of extensive and exciting development opportunities.
The northern part of the Borough contains the entirety of the Welborne Garden Village one of the largest housing led developments along the south coast. Welborne will ultimately provide for up to 6,000 dwellings, 105,000 square metres of employment floorspace and extensive supporting retail and community uses. The southern edge of the Borough contains the historic Daedalus airfield which has been in aviation use for in excess of 100 years. As well as continuing as an active airfield, the site (which is within the Council’s ownership) is allocated for extensive employment floorspace (circa 80,000 square metres). In September 2023, the Council purchased the Shopping Centre in the heart of Fareham. The regeneration of Fareham Town Centre is a high corporate priority. The Council has a Regeneration Strategy in place for the Town Centre and is currently finalising a masterplan with a view to submitting a major planning application by the Summer of this year.
Benefits of working for us
We are keen to enable those working for us to be individually empowered to do their job. This role will not only do this but will also provide an opportunity to gain broader experience in a wide range of development projects and to gain management experience. In addition to this the Council offers the following employee benefits:
- Hybrid (office/ home) and flexible working opportunities
- Flexible working hours scheme
- An annual leave entitlement of 28 days for candidates with more than 5 years local government experience. In addition to this, you will be entitled to up to three additional days leave between Christmas and New Year.
- Ability to purchase 5 days of additional leave per year
- Authorised car parking
- Employee discounts
For more information please contact: Peter Drake, Team Leader Planning Strategy (peter.drake@fareham.gov.uk) 01329 824551
Senior Planner (Strategy) in Fareham employer: Fareham Borough Council
Fareham Borough Council is an excellent employer that empowers its staff to take ownership of their work while providing a supportive and flexible work environment. With opportunities for professional growth in a diverse and dynamic borough, employees can engage in meaningful projects that shape the future of the community, all while enjoying generous benefits such as hybrid working, additional leave, and employee discounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner (Strategy) in Fareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Fareham Borough Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the team culture and what they really value in a Senior Planner.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on the latest planning policies and the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act. Show us you’re not just a planner, but a forward-thinking strategist who’s ready to tackle the borough's challenges head-on!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team and making a real impact in the borough.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner (Strategy) in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for planning shine through! Share specific examples of how you've contributed to policy development or plan making in the past. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about shaping the future of the borough.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Highlight your experience with complex planning issues and your ability to work under pressure. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for and that you're a great fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fareham Borough Council
✨Know Your Local Plan Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the current Local Plan and the new requirements introduced by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act. Familiarise yourself with key policies and how they impact planning strategy in the borough. This will show your commitment and readiness to contribute meaningfully.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in policy development and dealing with complex planning issues. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed projects or engaged with stakeholders, as this will demonstrate your capability to take ownership of your workload.
✨Engage with the Team Culture
The team values communication and initiative, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked collaboratively in previous roles. Share instances where you took the lead on a project or contributed to team success, as this aligns with their culture of empowerment and responsibility.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview about the future challenges the borough faces or how the council plans to engage with the community. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive approach to understanding the broader context of the position.
