Urban Design and Landscape Architect

Overview

We are seeking a talented Landscape Architect and/or Urban Designer to provide high‑quality professional advice on landscape architecture and/or urban design matters. We are looking for you to apply your specialist skills and insight to development proposals, infrastructure projects and environmental improvement schemes. You will evaluate complex information, identify opportunities for enhanced design outcomes, and use strong negotiation skills to help deliver high‑quality results that align with the Council’s objectives. Whether working independently or as part of a wider team, you will play a key role in shaping places that support thriving, sustainable communities.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council looks to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

We’re passionate about creating places where people can thrive. We work collaboratively across teams, partners and communities to deliver well‑designed, sustainable environments that support the county’s long‑term wellbeing.

You’ll be joining a team that values innovation, professional excellence and a strong commitment to public service.

About the role

As a Landscape Architect and/or Urban Designer, you will provide professional design and technical advice across a variety of planning and development‑related projects. You will influence and help shape proposals, support planning decision‑making, and contribute to environmental improvements, policy preparation and wider strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clear, professional Landscape Architecture and/or Urban Design advice on planning applications, pre‑application proposals, planning performance agreements, infrastructure projects including NSIPs and expert support for planning appeals.
• Undertake technical assessments, including reviewing Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) and evaluating sites to inform planning recommendations.
• Design and support the delivery of hard and soft landscape schemes in accordance with professional standards, legislative requirements, and CDM regulations.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, applicants, and stakeholders to secure high‑quality design outcomes aligned with council objectives.
• Contribute to the preparation of design‑related policy, including guidance, briefs, design codes and masterplans.
• Lead or support the design and delivery of environmental improvement or infrastructure schemes.
• Represent the Council professionally with internal and external partners, sharing expertise and promoting best practice.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying service needs, contributing to reviews, and engaging in self‑development and knowledge sharing.

Any-Desk:

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

 

About you

 

• Degree and postgraduate qualification in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary professional environments.
• Strong understanding of the English planning system.
• Knowledge of Landscape/Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA/TVIA).
• Experience as an Expert Witness at planning appeals is desirable.
• Full UK driving licence.

For further information on this role please see the attached job summary.

Other information

Location: The Gateway, Aylesbury

Salary: £45,430 - £47,629 (single qualification)

£51,081 - £53,570 (dual qualification)

Contractual hours: 37

Basis: Full Time (part-time considered, salary will pro rata.

This is a hybrid role with the job holder required to attend the office at least two days per week.

Closing date: Tuesday 8th September 2026

Interview date: Week commencing 21st September 2026

Interview-type / process: In person.

If you would like to have an informal conversation with the recruiting manager, please contact: Jonathan Bellars - Landscape and Urban Design Team Leader (01296 585367)

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire.  We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.

 Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.

 It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/