This is a senior role at the heart of Fenland’s place-shaping agenda. You will lead the Council’s planning strategy and specialist services, guiding how Fenland grows and develops over the long term. A key priority will be the Council’s need to deliver a new Local Plan under the reformed plan-making system, supported by a clear spatial strategy, strong evidence base and effective neighbourhood planning. You will manage specialist functions including ecology, the historic environment, arboriculture and monitoring, ensuring they add real value to planning and decision-making. You will also provide strategic input on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, oversee infrastructure delivery planning, and represent the Council in wider strategic work, including spatial development strategies at CPCA level. Working within a strong One Council ethos, you will collaborate closely with colleagues across planning, communities, housing, transport and environmental services, helping to deliver joined-up, positive outcomes for Fenland. You will lead the Council’s planning strategy and specialist services, playing a central role in shaping Fenland’s long-term future. This includes leading the preparation of a new Local Plan, overseeing neighbourhood planning, and managing specialist functions such as ecology, the historic environment, arboriculture and monitoring. You will provide strategic leadership on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and infrastructure delivery planning, and represent the Council in wider strategic work, including spatial development strategies at CPCA level. The Opportunity Fenland is a place that is growing and changing, with real opportunities to make a lasting difference. Our towns and villages are evolving, major investment is coming forward, and the decisions we take now will shape how Fenland develops for many years to come. As a pro-growth Council, we are preparing a new Local Plan under the reformed plan-making system, alongside major initiatives such as the Fens Growth Triangle and nationally significant projects including Fens Reservoir. This is an exciting moment to help set a clear direction for the district and to plan positively for growth that supports our communities and economy. We work with a strong One Council ethos, bringing together expertise from planning, communities, housing, transport and environmental services. These roles offer the opportunity to work across disciplines, collaborate with a wide range of colleagues and partners, and contribute to joined-up solutions that shape places and deliver real outcomes for Fenland. If you are interested in this post and would like to apply, please complete an application form (please read the guidance notes) and send to the Human Resources team, preferably by email to Recruitment@fenland.gov.uk or post to the HR Team, at Fenland District Council, Room 48, Fenland Hall, County Road, March, PE15 8NQ. Application forms are available to download from this page or alternatively please either phone our Customer Services team on 01354 654321 or email Recruitment@fenland.gov.uk. For an informal discussion regarding this post please contact Matthew Leigh on 07731006800 or David Rowen on 01354 622587