Environmental Specialist - Remote

Our client is currently recruiting for an Environmental Specialist with experience in applying UK environmental legislation, Habitats Regulations, Environmental Impact Assessments and planning case law to assess complex planning applications. This is an initial 3 month contract offering up to £800 per day. The role can be delivered remotely with an occasional need to visit an office in Newcastle, London or Bristol.,

• Identifying where additional environmental information is required (from the applicant, Special Nature conservation Body (SNCB) etc) to assist the Secretary of State with his decision making (noting the need for expediency because if consultation is required this needs to happen very soon after receiving the Examining Authorities report).


• Reviewing the relevant environmental information (publicly available on the PINS website and the Examining Authorities report once received) in relation to water related NSIPs.


• Advising the project team on relevant environmental matters, to assist with reaching a reasoned conclusion on the planning balance, for inclusion in the decision letter on behalf of the Secretary of State.


• Drafting the HRA (Stage 2 (Appropriate Assessment) and potentially Stage 3 Derogation's/Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Importance (IROPI) case), as the competent authority, on behalf of the Secretary of State.
  
  Demonstrable experience in applying UK environmental legislation, Habitats Regulations, Environmental Impact Assessments and planning case law to assess complex planning application.


• Experience in the regulatory planning system and a proven track record of drafting relevant environmental sections of planning decision letters and Habitats Regulations Assessments.


• Experience assessing Environmental Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments.


• Experience and knowledge of environmental planning legislation and policy.


• An ability to analyse technical information about the environmental impacts of projects.


• An understanding of the environmental impacts of water infrastructure, ideally wastewater treatment plants.


• Hold a relevant undergraduate or post graduate environmental qualification, or an environmental Associate Membership, or have equivalent demonstrable experience of providing ecological advice in a regulatory planning role.