Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and visit. We have an ambitious Corporate Plan and are looking to grow our Planning Policy team to help shape and deliver the exciting challenges ahead. 

Recognised by Best Companies as an outstanding organisation to work for, we have a real focus on health & wellbeing and staff development, and offer an excellent benefits package that includes corporate membership and reward schemes, Employee Assistance Programme and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. In addition, we have a hybrid and agile working culture that supports and encourages flexible and remote/home working. 

Based in our offices in the heart of Folkestone, (ranked in the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the UK, and in Lonely Planet as one of the best places to visit in the world!) you’ll have easy access to transport links, the seafront and harbour, Folkestone’s town centre and the creative quarter in the old town. To the west of Folkestone is the historic market town of Hythe, in north of the district is the rolling countryside of the Kent Downs AONB, and to the south is the open expanse of Romney Marsh.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Strategy Team for a Planning Policy Specialist. The team’s track record is second to none, having adopted the Places & Policies Local Plan in 2020, the Core Strategy Review in 2022 and our amended Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule in 2023. Nevertheless, we are about to embark on the production of a new local plan to address the challenges of the Government’s planning reforms.  We will also be responding to Government proposals for a new mandatory Infrastructure Levy. 

We will also be embarking on new design codes for the district, looking to reflect the different aspects of the local character and to provide a strong framework for creating high-quality places.

You will also assist with the council’s planning policy monitoring function, the
delivery of the adopted Local Plan, undertaking specific related projects as well as assisting with the development of wider council strategies and policies, such as the council’s climate change work.   

In return, we will offer you the chance to thrive, develop and make a lasting impact on Folkestone and its surrounding areas. The role is permanent, has a competitive salary, and there will be opportunities for further training and development. We’ll even re-imburse your professional membership fees.

You’ll need a relevant degree and/or sufficient local government or private practice experience, and an up to date knowledge of national planning policy, regulations and key legal principles. But above all else, if you’re a dynamic and creative individual who can work collaboratively with others to make a real difference in our local communities then we want to hear from you!  

For an informal discussion regarding this role please contact David Whittington (Strategy & Policy Senior Specialist) via david.whittington@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk