Planning Adviser (National Landscape)

Planning Adviser (National Landscape)

• £37,563 to £44,253 per annum pro rata
• 15 hours per week
• Fixed-term contract for up to 4 years
• Based at Honiton with hybrid working and a range of flexible working options

Protect one of England’s finest landscapes

East Devon National Landscape is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Planning Adviser to help shape sustainable development within one of the country’s most valued, protected landscapes.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence planning decisions that support thriving communities while conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of East Devon for future generations.

About the role

Working alongside East Devon District Council’s Planning and Development teams, you will provide specialist planning advice to help ensure development proposals within and adjacent to the National Landscape are carefully considered against local and national planning policy.

You will:

• Review and respond to planning applications and consultations.
• Contribute to the delivery of the East Devon National Landscape Management Plan.
• Support the Council in meeting its statutory duty to further the purposes of the National Landscape.
• Provide advice and guidance to communities, developers and planning professionals.
• Build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders to support high-quality, sustainable development.

As part of our small but ambitious team, you will contribute to projects supporting nature recovery, climate resilience, access, farming, local communities and place-making.

Why this role matters

East Devon National Landscape is one of the country’s most treasured protected landscapes, valued for its outstanding natural beauty, biodiversity, heritage and thriving communities. As pressures for development continue to grow, ensuring that change is managed sensitively and sustainably has never been more important.

This role sits at the heart of that challenge. Your expertise will help shape planning decisions that protect and enhance the special qualities of the National Landscape whilst supporting the needs of local communities and future generations. Whetherinfluencing major development proposals, advising on policy, or working collaboratively with stakeholders, your work will have a lasting impact on the character, environment and resilience of East Devon.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference—helping to balance growth and conservation, supporting nature recovery and ensuring one of England’s finest landscapes continues to be a place where people, communities and wildlife can thrive.

About you

You will be an experienced planning professional with:

• Experience of preparing responses to planning applications and development plan consultations.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and guidance relating to protected landscapes.
• An understanding of landscape character and the communities of East Devon.
• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.
• The ability to work independently whilst managing competing priorities.

Experience advising on woodland management plans and felling licence consultations would be advantageous.

A full driving licence is essential to enable travel across the district (reasonable adjustments may be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010).

About us

At East Devon District Council, we’re committed to creating great places to live, work and visit.

Our recent Local Government Association Peer Challenge recognised EDDC as a great place to work, with engaged staff and members. We are proud of our supportive culture, flexible ways of working and commitment to employee wellbeing and development.

When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• A commitment to learning and development.
• Employee wellbeing support.
• Generous local government pension benefits.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to East Devon’s environment and communities.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Dan Wynn

East Devon National Landscape Manager – [email protected]

Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 27 September 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 7 October 2026