Planning volunteer

Tasks:

• Look into the progress of the Local Plans being prepared by district councils and planning applications and other proposals which have a significant impact upon the countryside and help us to influence their outcome.
• Visit the local planning offices to look at plans and record details, where necessary.
• Review plans, applications and other consultations on the internet.
• Visit sites and recording details.
• Liaise with parish councils, district councils and other conservation bodies.
• Share information, and your thoughts, with CPRE Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

As your understanding develops we will encourage and support you to:

• Draft letters to the local planning authority.
• Research planning policy and best practice.
• Assist in the preparation of responses to wider consultations, including planning appeals.
• Assist CPRE Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in planning research.

Skills needed:

• A strong interest in the countryside
• An understanding of the planning system (or willingness to learn)
• An interest in investigative work, with an eye for detail
• A desire to share your knowledge with others in the branch
• Good communication skills – written and verbal
• Where appropriate, attend Committee meetings or provide updates for meetings
• Computer literate – the internet, e-mail and MS Word or equivalent

Support and supervision:

You will be supported and supervised by the Branch Committee. Induction training will be provided by National CPRE and you will have the opportunity to attend other training and events as appropriate.

Location:

The role is mainly home-based, with an opportunity to visit and work at the Branch office in St Ives.

Benefits of the role:

• An opportunity to use your existing skills and experience and to develop new skills
• Working with like-minded people and being part of a friendly and active team
• Opportunities to attend local and national CPRE activities, events and workshops
• Attendance at Branch meetings and contributing to the decision-making process
• Training and development opportunities, based on individual and branch needs
• An opportunity to participate in local government and to make an impact on decisions affecting the countryside and your community

All activities are voluntary, although we will pay all out-of-pocket expenses with prior agreement, in line with our Volunteer Policy.

Deadline for application: Ongoing

Planning volunteer role description – PDF