Planning and sustainable development at Leeds City Council

The Role

Planning for growth

Leeds is on the up - home to a thriving economy and a growing population, with a bold vision for inclusive and sustainable growth. Our planning and sustainable development team plays a central role in shaping the physical, social and environmental fabric of the city, ensuring Leeds remains a vibrant, attractive place to live, work and invest now and for the long term.

We are seeking senior leaders with the strategic insight, professional credibility and collaborative mindset to help guide this transformation.

Shaping our city

For a stimulating and fulfilling planning career, look no further than Leeds. The district has a huge diversity of geographical character, with two-thirds classed as rural, and urban areas ranging from inner city neighbourhoods to green suburbs and outlying market towns. This variety offers a rich and complex environment for planning professionals.

A leadership role in planning at Leeds City Council offers an exciting opportunity to influence the future of a growing city, ensuring development reflects the needs and aspirations of all communities. Planning is a key lever for economic development and inclusive growth is central to our strategic priorities. Building on the strength of our partnerships in the region, we have a critical role to play in the delivery of vital infrastructure, from affordable housing to mass transit.

Building momentum

Over the past decade, Leeds has seen significant investment and development. Our planning teams have been instrumental in steering this progress, aligned with the council’s strategic priorities in our Leeds Ambitions – health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, strong communities and a sustainable city.

We are now entering a pivotal chapter with the next phase of the Leeds local plan. Public consultation with residents and businesses is underway and the feedback will inform the updated local plan, shaping future land use and development across the district. The plan will set out the council’s vision and strategy for sustainable growth to 2042, offering an exciting opportunity for senior leaders to influence the city’s future direction.

Planning and city development

Planning sits within the council’s City Development directorate, which spans the built environment, culture and economy of Leeds, driving strategy and delivering services to improve and enrich the lives of local people and visitors.

The directorate comprises:

• Planning and sustainable development
• Asset management and regeneration
• Economy and skills, including culture and visitor economy
• Highways and transportation
• Markets and city centre management
• Active Leeds (sports and leisure)

Our planning service covers a wide remit, from development control and building regulations to strategic planning, enforcement, and specialist advice on urban design, conservation, ecology, and contaminated land. We also manage statutory development plans, minerals and waste, the community infrastructure levy, and support neighbourhood planning.

We’re focused on maintaining the integrity of our city environment by ensuring development is appropriate, safe and respectful of our city’s history and ecology. Everything we do aims to shape our city’s future as a great place to live, work and visit, and we are looking for inspirational leaders with the experience and insight to drive forward our vision.

Building control: leading safety and quality

Everyone in our building control team has a part to play in driving quality of construction and the highest safety standards in one of the UK’s most dynamic and fast-growing cities. We’re a progressive team who stay ahead of the curve in terms of the latest construction trends and techniques.

We are now recruiting a Head of Service Building Control to lead our expert and dedicated team. This is a strategic leadership role with operational oversight, professional influence, and the opportunity to shape the future of construction standards in Leeds.

Innovation and impact

Our new Head of Service Building Control will lead a team of 25 registered building inspectors who handle over 3,000 building regulations applications per year with over 60% market share. We’re proud to provide colleagues with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers, creating a committed, adaptable team who are at the forefront of innovation in building practices and materials.

The work is varied, impactful and high-profile, covering construction standards at developments ranging from high-rise to housing schemes, as well as safety at world-class sports venues and major outdoor events. Current and upcoming projects include the proposed Elland Road stadium expansion, neighbourhood regeneration schemes, and preparations for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the annual Leeds Festival.

Planning in partnership

Our success depends on strong partnerships across the public, private and third sectors. We operate in a complex political, economic and cultural environment, requiring deep understanding of local government, regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement.

We value our positive and effective working relationships with key partners including:

• West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
• West Yorkshire Combined Authority
• Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
• Private sector developers and enterprises

Internally, we work closely with colleagues in planning, housing, health and safety, and across the council to deliver joined-up solutions that reflect the needs of Leeds’ diverse communities.

Join Us

We are looking for inspirational leaders with specialist expertise, strategic vision and a commitment to public service. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious cities, driving sustainable development, enabling inclusive growth and leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.