Principal Planning Officer (Strategic and Local Plan)

Tewkesbury Borough Council; Tewkesbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government body in Tewkesbury is looking for a Principal Planning Officer to lead the development of strategic planning policies. The position involves collaborating with multiple councils to manage complex planning matters. Candidates should have extensive planning policy experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in digital tools. This is a 2-year fixed-term contract with a competitive salary of £45,718 - £49,764, and appealing benefits.

Benefits

Up to 30 days annual leave

Agile working arrangements

Convenient office location with free parking

Local Government Pension Scheme

20% discount at local leisure centre

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in planning policy and local plan preparation.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the drafting and development of planning policies.
• Manage technical evidence and studies delivery.
• Oversee stakeholder engagement and representation.

Skills

Planning policy experience

Leadership skills

Project management skills

Excellent communication

Proficiency in digital tools

Job description

Principal Planning Officers (Strategic and Local Plan)

Grade H 45718 - 49764

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

For an informal discussion about this post please contact Adam Gooch on emailprotected.

Closing Date : 22 September 2025

Proposed Interview Date : W / C 29 September 2025

In return we offer :

• Up to 30 days annual leave
• Agile working arrangements
• Convenient office location close to the M5 with free parking
• Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Potential career progression
• 20% discounted membership at the local leisure centre

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.

Monthly Salary: 45718 - 49764

Vacancy: 1