Sustainable Places Planning Specialist - 32616

Sustainable Places Planning Specialist - 32616
1
South West
Bodmin , Exeter
DEFRA GRP EA MANLEY HOUSE, EX2 7LQ, DEFRA GRP EA SIR JOHN MOORE HOUSE, PL31 1EB
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery
Full Time
£43,198

11/01/2026, 23:55 hours

PC05 Partnerships & Customers, Grade 5

Basic Check

The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment. 

We are looking for a motivated and experienced Town Planner to provide additional technical leadership to our Sustainable Places Team. You will work as part of a team that engages with, and influences, local planning authorities, planning decision-makers and developers to secure the best possible outcomes for people and the environment through growth.  

The successful candidate will be expected to: 

  • Provide technical planning expertise and guidance to the team and internal colleagues.
  • Project manage our input into high-profile developments.
  • Influence the preparation and review of Local Plans including relevant policies, evidence base, and infrastructure delivery plans.
  • Mentor team members on external planning policies, internal policies and procedures to ensure quality and consistency.
  • Work as an integrated part of the team.
  • Represent the Environment Agency as an expert-witness at appeals and inquiries.
  • Develop professional relationships with stakeholders and customers, internally and externally, to influence environmental outcomes.
  • Keep up to date on legislation/case law/best practice.
  • Contribute to the internal Planning Specialist network and Spatial Planning Mentoring Hub.

 

The Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sustainable Places team lead the Environment Agency’s statutory and chargeable planning advice on development and growth in our Area. We are a positive, knowledgeable and supportive team that takes pride in securing environmental outcomes by working closely with internal colleagues, 14 Local Planning Authorities, developers, strategic partners and Defra family. 

  • You will be qualified to at least degree standard (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and have experience of working in the Town & Country Planning system. 
  • Membership or demonstration of progression towards membership of a relevant professional body is desirable but not essential.  
  • Excellent communication and networking skills with the ability to collaborate with others. 
  • Ability to synthesise information from a wide range of sources, identify and present the key facts. 
  • Ability to make sound decisions based on competing or complex factors. 
  • Ability to confidently negotiate and influence others. 
  • Effective programme management. 
  • Ability to coach and mentor others.  
  • An interest to seek new innovative ways of working. 

You will have opportunity to keep developing your skills and professional knowledge throughout your career. 

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find one that suits your needs. Appropriate training will be given.  

You’ll have an EA Office base location at Bodmin or Exeter with flexible hybrid working. There will be travel within the Area. Occasional travel and overnights outside the Area may be required. Candidates must hold a full driving licence. 

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, please contact Emma Whereat, Sustainable Places Team Leader. emma.whereat@environment-agency.gov.uk 07901 103420 

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. 
 
Interviews will be held in person at our Bodmin or Exeter offices at the end of January 2026.

Influences and Persuades Others
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Influences and Persuades others:
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

Question:
Provide an example of how you have influenced a mixture of people to secure environmental improvement through a development.
Coaches Others
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Coaches Others:
Uses variety of methods, including direct instruction, coaching and feedback skills to help others to develop.

Question:
Provide an example of when you have developed others to build their capability and improve their effectiveness.
Focuses on Customers and Partners
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Focuses on Customers and Partners:
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses

Question:
Provide an example of when you have responded to a customer with significant concerns in a short timeframe.
Full UK Driving Licence
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the  Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.