Principal Strategic Planning Officer

West Devon Borough Council; Tavistock; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Tavistock is seeking an experienced Principal Strategic Planning Officer. The role involves contributing to a joint local plan while balancing housing accessibility and sustainability. Candidates should have a strong background in strategic planning and collaborative skills to address complex projects. The position offers a supportive work culture focused on professional development.

Benefits

Supportive work culture

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experienced strategic planning professional with ability to contribute to complex planning projects.
• Demonstrated collaborative work across teams and councils.
• Focus on long-term planning outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of a joint local plan.
• Balance demands to deliver accessible homes.
• Enable sustainable growth aligned with carbon targets.
• Address rural economy and High Streets challenges.
• Use creative approaches in strategic planning.

Skills

Strategic planning expertise

Collaborative approach

Innovative problem-solving

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Principal Strategic Planning Officer in the Strategic Planning Team of South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council.

We are embarking upon a new joint local plan for South Hams and West Devon under the new local plan‑making system. Our new plan will need to balance a range of potentially competing demands, including delivering homes that are accessible to as many members of our communities as possible, despite being one of the most unaffordable areas of the country. We also need to enable sustainable growth that aligns with UK carbon reduction targets, whilst addressing the short term challenges of our rural economy and the changing role of our High Streets. We are keen to attract an innovative and creative principal planner to help us consider and address these, and other, issues.

As well as being located in the beautiful south west of England, we can offer a supportive and progressive work culture that invests in its staff and promotes professional development.

Responsibilities

• contribute to the development of a joint local plan for South Hams and West Devon under the new local plan-making system
• balance competing demands to deliver homes accessible to as many people as possible while addressing affordability challenges
• enable sustainable growth that aligns with UK carbon reduction targets
• address short‑term challenges of the rural economy and the changing role of High Streets
• use innovative and creative approaches to help consider and address these and other issues within strategic planning

Requirements (qualifications and experience)

Experience as a strategic planning professional with the ability to contribute at a senior level to complex planning projects and policy development. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and councils to deliver long‑term planning outcomes.

Benefits and location

Located in the beautiful south west of England with a supportive, progressive work culture that invests in staff and promotes professional development.

How to apply

For an informal discussion or for further details about the role, please contact Phil Baker, Head of Strategic Planning, on 01803 861210 or [e-mail].

Closing date: Sunday 14 September 2025