The Royal Borough of Greenwich is undergoing a period of substantial change and growth. With one of the highest housing targets in London and Opportunity Areas identified for transformational change in Woolwich, Charlton Riverside and Thamesmead. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence change in a key part of London.

Working within the Conservation and Urban Design unit in the Planning Policy Team, you will play a key role in preserving the unique heritage of the Royal Borough and ensuring that proposed development in Royal Greenwich is sustainable, inclusive, well designed and effectively tailored to its places and local needs.

You will play an essential role in the preparation of planning documents, such as design codes and guidance, conservation area appraisals and local list. You will contribute to the preparation of the new Local Plan.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading on conservation, listed building and other related projects and programmes.
• Providing specialist advice on all aspects of conservation and urban design including recommendations on applications and pre-applications for major developments, listed building consents and planning permissions involving conservation and design issues.
• Preparing and giving evidence at public inquiries and appeals as required on heritage, conservation and urban design issues.
• Contributing to the preparation and review of conservation and design related policies and guidance, including conservation area appraisals and design codes.
• Contributing to the conservation and historic buildings aspects of the preparation and review of the Local Plan and other policy documents.
• Supporting the Urban Design Manager across varied workstreams.
• Managing your own caseload comprising concurrent projects and responsibilities, working independently and as part of a team.

Alongside this, you will play an active role in working with colleagues across the Council to champion high quality design across the Royal Borough.

About you

We are looking for a talented individual who is keen to progress in their career as urban design and conservation experts and eager to tackle a wide remit of planning issues. It is an exciting time to join the team as we embark on the production of our new Local Plan and we are looking for someone willing to embrace the challenge of improving the built environment.

The post requires an appropriate qualification in urban design, architecture or related discipline, and you will need to demonstrate your ability to analyse and present information clearly and effectively, complemented by a good understanding of current legislation, policy, guidance, and best practice in a London context.

Good communication skills and the ability to respond confidently in a variety of situations are essential. You should be effective at working in a team to tight deadlines. Starting salary will be dependent on experience.

About us

Based in the heart of Woolwich with its excellent transport connections to central London, the Royal Borough of Greenwich is an exciting place to work. From the spectacular World Heritage Site at Maritime Greenwich to the vibrant and diverse communities in Woolwich, Charlton, Thamesmead and Eltham, via the O2 Arena, the Royal Borough is home to some unique places.

As a Council we want to develop our services and improve the lives of our residents by focussing our actions and resources on the things that matter to the residents of Royal Greenwich and continuously improve the Royal Borough as a place. Our missions aim to ensure that:

• People in Greenwich have access to a safe and secure home that meets their needs
• It is easier, safer and greener to move around the borough and the rest of London
• Development delivers positive change to an area for existing and new communities
• Neighbourhoods are vibrant, safe and attractive with community services that meet the needs of local residents
• Greenwich plays an active role in tackling the climate crisis and improving environmental sustainability, in line with our commitment of being carbon neutral by 2030

Our Royal Greenwich Staff Values underpin the work we do: 

• Improving residents’ lives and opportunities
• Demonstrating respect and fairness
• Taking ownership
• Doing things better
• Working together across the Council

We offer great benefits:

In return for your hard work, we offer a range of benefits: 

• Annual Season Ticket Loan
• Childcare Voucher Scheme
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential, including excellent apprenticeship opportunities at all levels 
• Reduced rate Gym Membership
• Eyecare Vouchers
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Long Service Awards
• Generous Annual Leave entitlement
• Excellent Pension Scheme
• The Greenwich Card which entitles you to discounts at local businesses
• Employee Assistance Scheme including external counselling service
• A range of flexible working arrangements  
• Staff networks 

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Francesco Bernabei;    Francesco.Bernabei@royalgreenwich.gov.uk     0208 921 2942