At CPRE Sussex we have an exciting opportunity for Planning Volunteers to join us to help with our core work and support local groups in your area.

Activities involve:

• Working as part of a local area team considering planning applications and issues
• keeping track of, and investigating planning applications which have a significant impact upon the countryside and helping us to influence their outcome
• reviewing plans, applications and other consultations on the internet
• visiting sites and recording details
• liaising with parish councils, district councils and other conservation bodies
• sharing the information, and your thoughts, with CPRE Sussex
• producing written technical comments to send to Councils, where appropriate
• speaking at formal planning committee meetings on specific applications (subject to the necessary training an expertise)
• contact local politicians and raise the profile of local planning campaigns through the local press.

As your skills develop you will be encouraged and supported 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
• contribute to our Planning Team/Policy Committee and assist CPRE Sussex in planning research.

This role does not require any previous experience with planning, although such experience would be valuable. Training and guidance will be provided.

What we need from you:

Our branch office is in Blackboys, East Sussex but planning volunteers work mainly from home. We keep in regular contact via phone and/or email to discuss progress and to provide support, through our local groups. You would also be encouraged to attend group meetings.

This is an opportunity to be involved in a vital aspect of our work. You will gain satisfaction from investigating local concerns, improve your knowledge of the planning system, meet local people and feel part of a friendly and passionate group.

Ideally, we hope that you can offer us most of the qualities described below:

• a strong interest in the countryside
• an understanding of the planning system (or be willing 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
• can attend meetings or, when not possible, can provide updates for meetings • computer literate - the internet, e-mail and MS Word or equivalent

As a guide, we anticipate this voluntary role will take 3-4 hours per week.

What’s in it for you?

CPRE volunteers are motivated to help for a range of reasons, but normally they have a strong interest in protecting and enhancing the environment, as well as encouraging people to enjoy the countryside and all it has to offer.

Benefits include:

• A great opportunity to use your existing experience and to develop new skills
• Working with others to make a difference both locally and nationally
• The potential to meet and discuss issues with a wide range of like-minded people
• Opportunities to attend local and national CPRE activities, events and workshops

The role is voluntary although we will pay all out-of-pocket expenses with prior agreement, in line with our Volunteers Policy.

If you would like more information please contact Lesley Wilson in the office, email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01825 890975. To apply please email a copy of your CV to Lesley at the above email address.

We look forward to hearing from you.

CPRE Sussex, Brownings Farm, Blackboys, East Sussex, TN22 5HG