Planning, Highways & Transport
"Every day in Development Management is different and working for W&F is enjoyable as you can appreciate looking at a variety of buildings in a verdant landscape"
Nick, Interim Senior Service Manager (Development Management)
Together we are Responsible
Investing in staff to maintain and improve Westmorland and Furness Highways in 2025/26
Thousands of highways and transport improvements will bring smoother journeys to Westmorland and Furness as a part of a £37.7 million programme, which includes £19.9 million earmarked for improving carriageway surfaces that will build on last year’s works which fixed 33,000 potholes. The upcoming schemes will include even more permanent pothole repairs, full resurfacing of 59 roads, and surface dressing on a further 73 routes.
A further total of £17.8 million will see other vital upgrades, repairs and maintenance delivered on bridges and structures, footway resurfacing, public rights of way, drainage, streetlighting, traffic signals, and road safety. Funds will also be allocated to public transport and cycling and walking infrastructure improvements.
We’re recruiting
As a result of this exciting news, we are now looking to recruit and grow our Highways Service to ensure that our significant programmes of work can be managed and delivered safely & efficiently. There are a wide range of technical opportunities, to join our exciting journey.
If you are passionate about keeping our roads safe, efficient and well-managed, then take a look at the opportunities to join us.
A career in Planning
You'll have the chance to come up with smart transportation solutions and modern infrastructure to support our region's progress.
You can explore eco-friendly ways to travel, whether it's by bus, on foot, or by bike.
No matter which path you choose, you'll be right at the forefront of creating a greener, more sustainable Westmorland and Furness.
Meet Charlotte
Principal Planning Officer
"I joined the authority in April 2021 as a Senior Planning Officer, then became a Principal Planning Officer in 2023 with Westmorland and Furness Council. In my role I assess and determine some of the authority’s largest planning applications, as well as signing off other officers' decisions and mentoring colleagues. Westmorland and Furness Council provides me with an ambitious and supportive environment in which to work and opportunities to progress my career, together with the flexibility to achieve a good work-life balance."
A focus on...
Countryside Access Officers
In our role no two days are the same! We could be in the office planning improvements or maintenance works or contributing to larger projects such as bridge installations or resurfacing. The rest of the time we are outside in our local community, covering everywhere from Alston to Barrow-in-Furness.
We maintain an up to date record of our Public Rights of Way network and resolve any issues we encounter along the way, collaborating with landowners, contractors and members of the public to discuss plans for improvement.
Meet Helen
Countryside Access Officer
"The most fulfilling part of my role is working with my team and other teams to find the best possible solution for the public. I feel there is much better cross divisional working as Westmorland and Furness, other departments seem very willing to help us and we try and offer support wherever we can. Mental and physical health are both improved by connection to others and nature.
Getting out in the fresh air, especially with company (dogs included), is vital to an individual's wellbeing. In my role as Countryside Access Officer, I am helping to facilitate that."
