Meet the South Downs Planner…Jessica Perry-Mason

We catch up with Jessica Perry-Mason, Monitoring and Enforcement Officer.

Three words that sum up your job?

Technical, scenic, collaborative

What’s your role in the planning team?

Monitoring and Enforcement Officer (predominantly focusing on minerals and waste sites), responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with planning conditions attached to minerals and waste permissions, enforcement cases for minerals and waste sites, dealing with mineral and waste planning applications, and development condition monitoring of large-scale development sites (non-minerals and waste related) within the South Downs National Park.

What appealed to you about working for a National Park?

Working within my local area, contributing to the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment and heritage that make the National Park distinctive.

Can you describe your typical day?

I typically spend my mornings either in the office or undertaking site visits to quarry and waste management facilities, with afternoons often dedicated to report writing, followed by walking my dog.

Best thing about working for a National Park?

Contributing to the long‑term protection of natural beauty, wildlife and heritage.

What do you love about the South Downs National Park?

The opportunity to work outdoors in beautiful, scenic landscapes is a constant reminder of how valuable and special our natural environment is.

Have you got any hobbies?

Rock climbing, swimming, tennis, and cooking.

Currently reading/watching?

Kathy Burke – A mind of my own.

Dream holiday destination and why?

I have always wanted to visit South Africa to go on a safari.

Describe your perfect day (when not working, of course!)

Taking my dog on a long walk with a coffee in the sunshine either on the Downs or by the coast, followed by a relaxed pub lunch with my husband or my friends, and later perhaps visiting a comedy club!