Vacancy: Head of Place (Planning Services)
Forest of Dean District Council is passionate about creating a vibrant and sustainable future for our communities. Our priorities are centred on fostering resilient and inclusive communities that are motivated and competent to adapt to the challenges and opportunities ahead. We are committed to decarbonisation and nature recovery, with a view to protecting and enhancing our superb natural environment and to be carbon neutral by 2030. Additionally, we strive to build a sustainable economy through the promotion of a circular economy, robust business support, workforce skill development, sustainable town initiatives, and the preservation of natural capital.
Our range of place shaping services are fundamental to the success of the council’s ambition for a Fairer Greener Forest, and we are devoted to leading the response to the climate and ecological emergencies in our area. Our focus is on sustainable development to enable our communities in the Forest of Dean district and beyond to thrive, creating great places for people to live, work, learn and enjoy in our ever-evolving communities. We want our future generations to thrive too and are serious in tackling issues concerning the climate and environmental emergencies and how they relate to planning propositions. Now is a fantastic time to be joining us as we look to deliver upon our council plan priorities and shape our environment for the benefit of the local area and beyond.
Further details / Apply for this role
View candidate letter
View / Download job descriptionAbout the role
We are seeking a dynamic leader to join the Forest of Dean District Council as the Head of Place and engage our communities in shaping the Forest’s future. You’ll bring an energy to and animate the strategic intent of ‘Our Plan’ – the draft Local Plan 2041 - so we are all working together for a better future. This is a pivotal role, inspiring and empowering our planning services team to deliver high-quality services, aligned with council priorities, and ensuring we create thriving communities through collaboration on place-shaping initiatives. You will spearhead our approach to digital planning and your work will tackle climate and ecological emergencies, foster economic prosperity, and improve the quality of life for residents.
As Head of Place, you will provide strategic vision, empowerment, and leadership for our place-shaping services, which include:
- Development management
- Planning enforcement
- Forward planning
- Strategic housing
- Building control
- Specialist services such as ecology and conservation
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced individual to join our senior team, to lead, influence and shape decisions in the Forest of Dean District that really make a difference
Further insight
Forest of Dean District Council Plan 2024 to 2028