Bedford Borough Council
Principal Urban Designer
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Principal Urban Designer
Planning Officer – Bedford Borough Council
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and innovative planner to join our Planning Service at Bedford Borough Council. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop your career in both urban and rural planning, sustainable development, regeneration, and place-shaping. Our team is friendly, supportive, and flexible, with a mix of in-office and home-working options.
Bedford is an ideal choice for professionals, offering:
- Strong transport links: 40 minutes to London, connected via M1, A1, and the upcoming East-West Rail network—including stops in Bedford town centre and the south of the borough.
- High-quality lifestyle: A historic market town with excellent schools, cultural facilities, and scenic River Great Ouse embankments and urban parks.
- Diverse living options: Thriving town centres alongside rural villages for a varied housing market.
This role is part of Bedford Borough Council’s major sustainable growth programme, delivering thousands of new homes, town centre regeneration, environmental improvements, and enhanced transport links.
Responsibilities
As a Planning Officer, you will:
- Manage a diverse range of planning applications, from simple to complex, covering urban and rural development.
- Provide customer-facing advice on planning matters, ensuring excellent service delivery.
- Apply strong place-shaping skills to guide sustainable growth and regeneration.
- Work within a team environment, contributing to collaborative projects and legislative compliance.
- Support the implementation of regeneration schemes and new sustainable settlements.
- Assist in community consultation processes and stakeholder engagement.
- Ensure all decisions adhere to UK planning legislation and local policy frameworks.
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Requirements
Essential:
- Proven experience in planning application handling, ideally within development management (rural and urban settings).
- In-depth knowledge of UK planning law and regenerative strategies.
- A pro-active and creative approach to place-making and sustainable development.
- Strong customer service skills, with an ability to position applications effectively and avoid conflicts.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work flexibly (hybrid/remote expected).
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with a team player mindset.
Desirable:
- Experience with masterplanning, regeneration projects, or commissioning sustainable growth strategies.
- Interest in traffic and transport planning, given the borough’s infrastructure developments.
- Experience using planning cadastre or consulting software tools.
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Note: Bedford Borough Council cannot sponsor visas for this role.
Benefits
- Career growth in a dynamic, challenging, and supportive planning team.
- Flexible working with a mix of in-office and home-working.
- Contribute to a transformative programme shaping Bedford’s future.
- Work in one of Britain’s best-connected towns, with a rich mix of urban and rural living nearby.
About Bedford Borough Council
Our Planning Service drives sustainable growth, transforming Bedford’s built environment for the better. We’re pioneering new homes, regeneration projects, and green infrastructure—all while maintaining strong community ties and stakeholder relationships.
How to Apply
Key Deadlines:
- Closing Date: 19th July 2026
- Interviews: Week commencing 27th July 2026
Application Process:
- Apply via the Bedford Council Jobs Portal (click “Apply for Vacancy”).
- Upload your CV and complete yes/no short-answer questions.
- Ensure your CV clearly matches the essential selection criteria outlined above.
Note: An optional CV template is available for guidance.
For more insights into the planning team culture, watch this employer video.
Contact for Queries
Email: patrick.lyons@bedford.gov.uk
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