x2 Service Development Management Officer

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? 

New Forest District Council are looking for two enthusiastic and pro-active Senior Development Management Officers to contribute towards the shaping of the future of the New Forest District.

These are exciting times in the New Forest District as we seek to meet the challenge of accommodating the new housing and commercial growth we need to plan for across the district, as well as contributing to the Council’s climate change agenda whilst maintaining the character of the New Forest District and what makes it so special and unique. This is a great opportunity to joinour Development Management Strategic Sitesteam.

About the role

In this vital planning role, you will enjoy the challenge of working within a busy team and handling a varied case load of complex and major planning applications helping deliver the growth in the District on our allocated sites and handling applications on unallocated sites. The role will include presenting cases to the Planning Committee and preparing cases for appeals.

The post holder will manage the more complicated planning applications in the District and supervise their own Development Management Case Officer. The post will therefore be suitable for someone who is already working at a Senior Planning Officer level and looking to develop their supervisory skills or for an experienced Planning Officer who is looking at taking the next step in their career.

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?

• £41,499 - £44,662 per annum, up to £50,379 career grade (Up to £51,400 for exceptional performance once in post)
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (plus an additional 5 days for 5 years local authority continuous service).
• Hybrid Working
• 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 Robert Thain, Development Management Team Leader on 02380 285116 or Mark Wyatt, Development Management Service Manager on 02380 285604

Closing date: Sunday 1st November 2026

Interview Dates: 16 & 17th November 2026.