Meet the National Park planner…Rob Green
August 21, 2025
We catch up with Rob Green, who joined the Authority earlier this year to become Major Planning Projects and Performance Manager.
Three words that sum up your job?
Varied, collaborative, rewarding
What’s your role in the planning team?
I am the Major Planning Projects and Performance Manager. I lead the Majors team, who work on most of the large applications and Planning projects we have across the National Park. We also have dedicated Community Infrastructure Levy and Monitoring Officers who make sure that community projects and affordable housing receive the funding they deserve from development. I also lead the Specialists team which is made up of Urban Design, Landscape and Historic Environment officers who provide detailed specialist advise across the Authority. I am responsible for our partnership arrangements with our host authorities who process applications on our behalf, and work closely with them to deliver the Planning service across the Park.
What appealed to you about working for a National Park?
National Parks have played a massive part of my life – my grandparents lived in the Peak District, I grew up in the South Downs (before it was a National Park I admit), have been to the Lake District every year of my life, moved to the New Forest after university, and now live on the outskirts of the South Downs again – so it felt fitting to work for a National Park! I get to do a very interesting job I enjoy in this amazing landscape, it is the best of both worlds.
Can you describe your typical day?
That’s what I love about this job, there isn’t one. One day I can be reading and signing off case reports, and the next I can be out in the Park all day assessing sites.
A big part of my job is supporting the Planning team and the wider Authority. There is a lot to get involved in, so no day is the same.
Best thing about working for a National Park?
The variety – one day I can be in a tough meeting with developers negotiating and the next I am in a Land Rover being taken to a remote hill-top to assess sites from stunning viewpoints.
What do you love about the National Park?
It amazes me how you think you know the Park well, and then you stumble across a stunning viewpoint or a perspective you have never seen before. It really changes with the seasons and never fails to surprise you.
The market towns and small villages are unique (and most contain at least one good pub/restaurant which is very important)
Have you got any hobbies?
Where I live has some great running routes so I try to get out most evenings. I used to kayak most weekends too and want to get back into it.
Also trying to be a better baker – which is turning out to be quite an expensive hobby.
Currently reading/watching?
I rewatch a lot of series I have seen before whilst I cook – so currently have Schitt’s Creek and Ghosts on a loop
Dream holiday destination and why?
Canada – I would love to hire a pick-up truck and travel round the country as much as I can.
Describe your perfect day (when not working, of course!)
Going out for breakfast, a long hike and then relaxing in the sun.