Opportunities within our Strategic Growth Team

Central Bedfordshire Council; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding training opportunities

Career progression

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a Planning Officer to join their Strategic Growth team. This role involves contributing to the preparation of the new Local Plan, engaging with stakeholders, and leading key planning projects. Candidates should have experience in forward planning within a local authority and strong communication skills. The Council offers professional development opportunities as part of its commitment to employee growth.

Qualifications

• Working towards membership of the RTPI.
• Experience in a local authority or similar environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to delivering statutory and non-statutory planning functions.
• Develop evidence-based policies and support lead projects.
• Engage with stakeholders to provide specialist support.

Skills

Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Experience in forward planning/policy

Excellent communication skills

Sound political understanding

Ability to influence stakeholders

Job description

This is an exciting time to join Central Bedfordshire Council. As one of the largest Unitary Authorities in the country, our unique geographical location places us right at the heart of national conversations about growth and investment. With the government’s renewed focus on the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor, major infrastructure schemes such as East-West Rail, the arrival of Universal Studios, and the prospect of a New Town at Tempsford, the opportunities for shaping the area’s future have never been greater.

We are currently recruiting for two roles within our Strategic Growth team

• Planning Officer (permanent
• Principal Planning Officer (Secondment – Maternity Cover, up to 12 months from April 2026)

Both roles will play a key part in preparing and delivering the new Local Plan—set to be one of the first under the new Planning Regulations. You’ll be involved from the earliest stages right through to examination and adoption, helping to shape the spatial future of Central Bedfordshire.

About the Role

Working within Strategic Growth, you’ll contribute to delivering the Council’s statutory and non-statutory planning functions, developing evidence-based policies, and supporting or leading projects such as the Strategic Land Availability Assessment (SLAA) and Site Assessment following our Call for Sites.

You’ll work across the full range of planning disciplines, engaging with councillors, developers, partners and the community to provide specialist support and guidance. Whether supporting or leading key projects, you’ll play a central role in helping us achieve our ambitious growth priorities.

You’ll bring

• Membership (or working towards membership) of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
• Experience in forward planning/policy within a local authority or similar environment
• Excellent communication skills, sound political understanding, and a commitment to evidence-based decision making

You’ll be comfortable working under pressure, managing multiple priorities and deadlines, and influencing a broad range of stakeholders.

At Central Bedfordshire Council, we’re committed to your professional growth. As an RTPI Learning Partner, we provide outstanding opportunities for training, development and career progression.

With the new Local Plan and major regional projects ahead, now is the perfect time to join and make your mark on an area at the forefront of sustainable, strategic growth.