Senior Planning Ecologist
| Posting date: | 07 October 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £38,935 to £42,845 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 31 October 2025 |
| Location: | Cheltenham, Gloucestershire |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Cheltenham Borough Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | JOB/151 |
Summary
Cheltenham Borough Council is a multi-award-winning local authority, recognised for our dynamic approach to Place Shaping and regeneration. As a council, we're not just keeping pace with change — we're shaping it. We’re driving bold, sustainable economic growth across the borough, and right now, we’re looking for a passionate Senior Planning Ecologist to help lead the way on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
About the Role:
- With BNG requirements becoming mandatory in 2024, this is a pivotal time to join our forward-thinking Planning team. Your principal focus will be to embed BNG into the planning process — advising our Development Management team, supporting applicants, and helping ensure that biodiversity thrives alongside new development.
- You’ll act as the council’s key consultee on BNG-related applications, providing expert ecological advice on:
- The adequacy of submitted BNG metrics and plans
- On-site and off-site BNG delivery strategies
- BNG Plans, legal obligations, and planning conditions
- Reviewing ecological assessments and condition discharge materials
Your approach will be solution-focused and collaborative. You’ll proactively flag BNG issues early and work constructively with applicants to resolve them — all while promoting biodiversity in one of the UK’s most liveable towns.
About You
We’re looking for someone with:
- Ecological expertise and a sound understanding of BNG policy and practice
- Excellent communication skills to advise planners, developers, and consultants
- Experience reviewing ecological reports, plans, and biodiversity metric tools
- A pragmatic, proactive mindset that supports positive planning outcomes
We’re seeking someone who’s deeply committed to protecting biodiversity and driving forward a more sustainable future.
About the Role:
- With BNG requirements becoming mandatory in 2024, this is a pivotal time to join our forward-thinking Planning team. Your principal focus will be to embed BNG into the planning process — advising our Development Management team, supporting applicants, and helping ensure that biodiversity thrives alongside new development.
- You’ll act as the council’s key consultee on BNG-related applications, providing expert ecological advice on:
- The adequacy of submitted BNG metrics and plans
- On-site and off-site BNG delivery strategies
- BNG Plans, legal obligations, and planning conditions
- Reviewing ecological assessments and condition discharge materials
Your approach will be solution-focused and collaborative. You’ll proactively flag BNG issues early and work constructively with applicants to resolve them — all while promoting biodiversity in one of the UK’s most liveable towns.
About You
We’re looking for someone with:
- Ecological expertise and a sound understanding of BNG policy and practice
- Excellent communication skills to advise planners, developers, and consultants
- Experience reviewing ecological reports, plans, and biodiversity metric tools
- A pragmatic, proactive mindset that supports positive planning outcomes
We’re seeking someone who’s deeply committed to protecting biodiversity and driving forward a more sustainable future.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.