Job Description

CPRE Leicestershire, the countryside charity, is in the early, exciting phase of a funded five-year growth plan that will see us become one of the strongest and most influential CPRE branches in the country. We are recruiting a high?calibre planner to own and deliver the "Councils (Protect)" pillar of our 3Cs strategy at pace.

About us and where we are going:

CPRE Leicestershire is part of the national network of CPRE. Our network campaigns for a thriving, beautiful countryside rich in nature and playing a crucial role in our nation's response to the climate and biodiversity emergencies. From changing lifestyles and changing agricultural practices to the demands of economic growth and a need for housing, our countryside is under constant pressure.

CPRE campaigns for proper affordable housing to address the housing crisis. We want to see a professional planning function that changes outcomes on the ground rather than just reacting to applications.

You will work closely with our Chair (Adrian Jarvis), Trustees, Branch Development Manager, Community Engagement Lead, Marketing & Admin Support and volunteers in an energetic, ambitious and supportive environment.

This is a part-time role - 1.5 days per week or approximately 12 hours - very flexible working pattern; we are genuinely open to discussing what works best for the right candidate.

About the Job:

The Planning Officer sits at the heart of our "Councils (Protect)" campaign. Reporting directly to the Chair/BDM and working 1.5 days (12 hours) per week, you will:

Give clear, authoritative planning advice to parish councils, community groups and members so they can submit robust, evidence-based representations. Lead our responses to Local Plan consultations and major applications, with a focus on protecting best and most versatile agricultural land, securing genuine BNG, brownfield-first delivery and rooftop rather than field-scale solar. Create (or commission) simple, reusable planning tools, template letters, guides and training sessions that empower non-experts to protect their patch. Work proactively with developers and local authorities to negotiate genuine enhancements rather than defaulting to objection. Represent the branch at planning committees, examinations in public and inquiries when required. Feed into regional and national CPRE policy work and support our Community and Commerce campaigns where planning expertise adds value (e.g. land acquisition due diligence and ESG advice to corporate partners). Work with the Trustees and executive team to establish and develop a new Planning Committee. Build organisational capability in planning disciplines and deepen expert knowledge across all land use and infrastructure types (e.g. housing, transport, energy). Develop a stakeholder engagement plan covering local communities, policymakers and local businesses. Act as a trusted advisor, seeking early influence on local policy development, consultation design and advocacy for responsible stewardship.

Responsibilities:

Responding to enquiries from members and the public on local planning matters, and assisting or advising as appropriate. Assisting with the development of CPRE Leicestershire policy on planning topics and, where appropriate, contributing to CPRE policy development at regional and national level. Representing CPRE Leicestershire at examinations in public and public inquiries, as part of a team of staff and volunteers. Contributing to effective joint working with other environmental NGOs, parish and town councils, amenity groups and local communities as necessary. Contributing to the development and delivery of CPRE Leicestershire's general campaigning as required. Assisting in representing CPRE Leicestershire at meetings, conferences, presentations, and campaigning and recruiting activities.
CPRE Leicestershire is a small charity and the duties of this post may be subject to reasonable alteration from time to time. The postholder will be expected to carry out other tasks required in the furtherance of CPRE Leicestershire's wider objectives, and will occasionally need to be able to work flexible hours, which on occasion extend to meetings at evenings and weekends, and to travel within Leicestershire and occasionally beyond.

Person Specification

Attribute: Essential (E) or Desirable (D)

Qualifications

RTPI accredited Degree or Diploma in Town & Country Planning (E) Corporate membership of the RTPI or equivalent or eligible for membership (E)

Experience & Knowledge

Minimum of 2 years post qualification experience with a preferred focus on planning policy (E) Ecological knowledge and an understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain (E) Sound knowledge of planning legislation and operation of the planning system generally (E) Understanding of policy formulation and plan making process (E) Knowledge of CPRE's purpose and objectives (E) Knowledge of role and purpose of environmental NGOs (D) Knowledge of Leicestershire's particular challenges and links to the county's planning network (E)

Skills & Abilities

Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office (E) Good written and verbal communication and presentational Skills (E) Ability to manage and meet demanding deadlines (E) Ability to communicate clearly and simply with both lay people and fellow professionals (E) Ability to understand complex and technical planning issues (E) Ability to work with minimum supervision (E) Good ecological knowledge and an understanding of Leicestershire's wildlife and habitats (E)

Special Requirements

Possess current driving licence and have access to a car when needed (D) Professional, friendly and confident manner in dealing with others (E) Passionate about wildlife, the countryside and a sharing of CPRE Leicestershire's aims and objectives (D)

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter, explaining your experience, skills and reasons for applying, to: pj@cpreleicestershire.org.uk no later than 19 December 2025.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 780.00 per month

Expected hours: 12 per week

Benefits:

Flexitime Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Loughborough LE11 1JR