Principal Planning Officer (Strategic and Local Plan)

Principal Planning Officers (Strategic and Local Plan)
Grade H £45,718 - £49,764
37 hours per week
2-year fixed term contract

Cheltenham Borough, Gloucester City and Tewkesbury Borough Councils are jointly preparing a new Strategic and Local Plan (SLP) that will define the spatial vision and planning framework for the area over the next 20 years. As a Principal Planning Officer, you will play a leading role in delivering this ambitious and high-profile Plan, with submission to the Secretary of State programmed for October/November 2026.

About the Role

As Principal Planning Officer you will be instrumental in driving forward the preparation of the SLP. You will lead on complex planning policy matters, coordinate evidence base development, and shape strategic approaches to housing, employment, infrastructure and climate change. Working across three local authorities, you’ll bring together diverse perspectives and ensure the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the drafting and development of planning policies and spatial strategy
• Managing the commissioning and delivery of technical evidence and studies
• Overseeing stakeholder engagement, including elected members, communities and statutory consultees
• Advising on legal and procedural requirements for plan preparation and examination
• Responding to Matters, Issues and Questions posed by the Planning Inspector(s), and representing the councils at examination hearing sessions

About You

We’re looking for a highly motivated and experienced planning professional with a strong track record in local plan-making. You’ll be confident navigating complex policy landscapes, managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.

You should bring:

• Extensive experience in planning policy and local plan preparation
• Strong leadership and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work across teams and organisational boundaries
• Proficiency in digital tools

In return we offer:

Find out more about us and the benefits of working for us by clicking here. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The council is committed to promoting equality of opportunity; we welcome applications from all sections of the community.