LDF Policy Lead

• Role type: Permanent
• Location: Midhurst, with travel throughout the South Downs National Park
• Closing Date: 12 noon, 14th March 2011
• Salary: £42,300 – 47,000, depending on skills and experience
• Hours: Full time. Job share applicants will be considered.

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is a new, exciting organisation that aims to look after the National Park and help people learn about and enjoy the area. We also have an important role to support the local communities that live and work here.

We will become fully operational in April 2011 and are looking for talented individuals to take this important work forward. We are committed to creating a modern, flexible organisation that works through partnership and supports local action.

The SDNPA will become the statutory planning Authority for the National Park on 1 April 2011 and we are looking to recruit a Local Development Framework (LDF) Policy Lead to provide strategic direction and develop and progress the SDNPA’s LDF and other planning policies.

Specifically, the LDF Policy Lead will prepare a Local Development Scheme for the SDNPA in accordance with government guidance, for adoption and implementation by the SDNPA, complementing and in accordance with the SDNPA Management Plan. You will also oversee emerging LDFs prepared by other authorities within the National Park to ensure that they meet the Park’s purposes and the SDNPA’s priorities.

To be considered for this role, you will need to have significant experience developing and implementing strategic planning policy. You will have demonstrable interpersonal skills being able to communicate with all parties involved in the Park as well as managing staff. An understanding of planning in National Parks is desirable.