Planning Specialist - Sustainable Places x4

Planning Specialist – Sustainable Places

£43,198 + £4,406 pa Inner London Weighting Allowance where applicable
York, Rotherham, Leeds, Beverley, Warrington, Wallingford, London SW1
Permanent, Full-Time
Staff Grade: G5

About the role

Do you want to work for an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion? Then the Environment Agency could be the place for you. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer, promoting equality of opportunity, and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued. We welcome flexible working arrangements across all our vacancies.

Are you looking for a career where you can make a real difference, by joining a team that is passionate about tackling the climate and nature emergencies through our strategic goals for:

• Green growth and a sustainable future.
• Healthy air, land and water.
• A nation resilient to climate change.

We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join the Sustainable Places Team. As a Planning Specialist, you will play a vital role in managing the Environment Agency’s interaction with the Town & Country Planning process, supporting the team to manage planning consultations from Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and developers across the Area.

Your work will involve:

• Coordinating and screening planning applications and enquiries received from LPAs and developers and logging this caseload onto our dedicated system.
• Responding to pre-development enquiries, low risk consultations, and administering our chargeable advice service.
• Providing a positive planning service to our customers.
• Building effective relationships with our internal consultees.

Experience and Skills

Essential

• You will have a degree in Town and Country Planning or in a relevant discipline (for example, but not limited to: Geography, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Geoscience, Ecology, Biology).
• You will have significant relevant experience in a planning related role for example but not limited to working with the Environment Agency as a Planning Advisor or Planning Specialist or in a consultee team, or working for a developer, local planning authority, or other statutory consultee, for example: NE, MMO, Heritage England, Highways England.
• Ability to deal with and advise on development issues and / or on complex environmental problems.
• Working with and influencing organisations and individuals to deliver environmental benefits.
• Problem solving with the ability to work on complex issues and opportunities.
• Confidence in communicating strategic and technical issues to a range of audiences.
• Ability to provide pre-application and strategic advice, including the associated recovery of costs for this work.
• Team-working skills and experience in working flexibly responding to changing demands in a high workload, high pressure environment.

Desirable

• Experience managing client-based projects and budgets.
• Reviewing and improving processes and procedures.
• Coaching and mentoring experience.
• Membership or demonstrable progress towards membership of a relevant professional body.

Team Information

The Sustainable Places team is a friendly, collaborative group working across departments to shape local plan strategies and planning applications. We partner internally and externally - with councils, developers, water companies, and Defra to provide expert environmental advice.

What We Offer You

• A salary up to £43,198 + £4,406 pa Inner London Weighting Allowance where applicable.
• Generous Pension: Secure your future with our excellent pension scheme.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy 27 days holiday + 8 bank holidays, with options for flexible working.
• Career Growth & Comprehensive Training: Benefit from structured development, mentorship, and continuous learning.
• Impactful Work: Directly contribute to protecting and enhancing the environment, making a real difference.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a supportive team that values diversity and collaboration.
• Extra Perks: Paid environmental outcomes days, and comprehensive leave schemes (maternity, paternity, adoption).
• Options for flexible and / or part-time working may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Why Choose the Environment Agency?

Join the UK's largest environmental organisation and be part of a team that tackles national challenges head-on. We are committed to achieving tangible results, from implementing industry regulations to restoring polluted water bodies. We invest in our people, providing tailored training, equipment, and a collaborative community where your contributions truly matter.

As an organisation we strive to reflect the communities we serve. To achieve this, we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, and religion.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Click apply and start your application today!

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the UK's biggest environmental organisation. Join us, and together, let's tackle the challenges of a changing climate and build a more sustainable future. Apply now and embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career journey with the Environment Agency.

Please note, 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. Please see our careers site for candidate guidance and more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Please note that providing false or misleading information at any stage of the application or recruitment process may result in withdrawal of your application, or where applicable, disciplinary action in line with internal processes.

We will maintain a reserve list for 6 months and may offer similar roles at other locations linked to this position.

Candidates selected for interview will be notified by email at least five days in advance. Please check both your inbox and junk mail folders to ensure you don’t miss our message.

Closing Date: Monday 9th March 2026.
Interview Dates: Week Commencing 23rd March 2026.