Conservation and Urban Design Officer - 37 Hours

INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY Job Description & Person Specification > We have an exciting opportunity within our Heritage and Design Team for a Conservation and Urban Design Officer. As a Conservation and Urban Design Officer within our fast-paced, innovative and supportive team, you will manage a varied caseload of planning and listed building consent applications across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

You will work with applicants, agents, businesses, local communities and elected Members to help shape sustainable development and deliver high-quality outcomes for the historic environment of Torbay. You will be responsible for assessing planning applications, undertaking site visits, negotiating improvements to development proposals and preparing recommendations for delegated decisions and Planning Committee consideration.

The role also includes providing pre-application advice, dealing with post-decision matters and contributing towards the delivery of the Council's wider regeneration, housing and environmental objectives. You will be an advocate for the local historic environment and will champion high quality design. This is an exciting time to join the service.

We are implementing major national planning reforms, delivering ambitious regeneration projects and delivering the Torbay Heritage Place programme, investing in Torbay’s remarkable built, cultural and natural heritage to make the bay a better place to live, work and visit. Career Development and Professional Support. We are committed to investing in our staff and supporting their long-term career development.

Whether you are an experienced heritage professional or looking to take the next step in your heritage or planning career, you will have access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities. This includes support towards achieving and maintaining RTPI and IHBC membership, access to professional training, mentoring from experienced Officers, and opportunities to work on a diverse range of applications and regeneration projects across Torbay.

Torbay Council actively encourages career progression and offers a clear pathway for advancement within the Development Management service. We are proud of our track record of supporting officers to progress into more senior roles whilst developing specialist skills and professional expertise.

About you

We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic heritage professional who is passionate about placemaking and delivering excellent customer service. You will have experience of, or a strong interest in, the management of the historic environment and planning legislation. You will be able to analyse complex information, communicate effectively with a range of audiences and produce clear and well-reasoned reports.

You will be a good team player with strong negotiation skills, attention to detail and a commitment to achieving high professional standards. A heritage-related degree or relevant professional experience will be required, together with a desire to continue developing your heritage career. We welcome applications from professionals at different stages of their professional career, including those working towards RTPI membership or seeking greater responsibility and career progression within a supportive and ambitious local planning authority.

About us

There has never been a better time to join our team at Torbay Council. We have real momentum building and a shared sense of purpose and ambition. Torbay is a fantastic place to live, work and visit, offering an unrivalled quality of life for individuals and families. We want to see a healthy, happy and prosperous Torbay.

If you do too, join us and be part of our #torbaystory. For an informal chat please contact Rob Palmer on 07554332043 or robert.palmer@torbay.gov.uk. Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 9th November 2026. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. At times there is a need to close our adverts earlier than the date specified, however this advert will not close before 27th October.

If you are keen to submit an application, please apply as soon as possible. Essential: Effective computer literacy skills (MS Windows). Administrative skills, i.e. a thorough organised approach to work with the ability to prioritise and manage workloads. Able to see tasks through to a successful conclusion, meeting challenging deadlines whilst maintaining attention to detail.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. Essential: Thorough understanding of the wider Planning functions including Planning Policy and Development Management. Specialist knowledge of historic building conservation. Working knowledge of all relevant planning and heritage legislation and national policies and guidance.

Understanding of wider national heritage issues and how they relate to the context of Torbay’s economic growth aspirations. Essential: Degree or diploma in Town Planning, Architecture, Building Conservation or a related discipline or significant relevant experience. Proven experience in advising on proposals affecting listed buildings, conservation areas and other heritage assets.

A working knowledge and understanding of planning, including listed building legislation, policy guidance and circulars, practice and case law and the ability to apply that knowledge to conservation and design matters. Well developed appreciation of the design of building forms, both modern and traditional