At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting planning projects and shape sustainable communities in a dynamic team.
- Company: Cherwell District Council, a progressive and innovative local authority.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, wellness perks, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Agile working supported in a friendly, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on large-scale developments while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic planners with a passion for sustainable community development.
The predicted salary is between 40750 - 55755 £ per year.
Planning and Development
Principal Planning Officers
Grade I: £50,407.50 - £55,755.50 per annum
37 hours per week
Full-time, permanent, agile working is supported
The Job:
With innovative and large-scale housing developments such as the country’s largest self-build community at Graven Hill, the exemplar zero-carbon development at North West Bicester, and the redevelopment of a former Cold War airbase, Cherwell is committed to doing things differently. We are an ambitious, growth focused organisation with a commitment to healthy place-shaping. Cherwell is growing. We have lots of large and exciting projects and through our project team approach, officers work together on the diverse and interesting developments coming forward, supporting each other.
Cherwell has attractive countryside lying at the northern edge of the Cotswold’s. Its ironstone and limestone villages, many listed buildings and conservation areas ensure a wide variety of case work.
The Person:
Our busy Development Management team needs bright, enthusiastic and dynamic individuals to lead on the processing and determination of a variety of application types. You will be expected to deal with the most complex and controversial pre-applications, applications and appeals including those of a corporate priority to the Council. You will also be expected to assist the Development Management Team Leader in supervising, leading, motivating, managing, and developing staff in providing a high quality, efficient and value for money development management service. Working with a delivery focused but friendly group of planners across a large Development Management team, you will need to be a self-starter who works quickly, accurately and flexibly. Delivering high-quality development starts with securing high-quality people. If you are an enthusiastic, skilled and ambitious Planner, passionate about delivering well-planned sustainable communities, you could be what we’re looking for!
The Benefits:
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (plus bank holidays)
- Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (Including generous Employer Contribution and the ability to transfer your private pension into the scheme)
- EV Salary sacrifice scheme
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
- Annual Flu Vaccination voucher
- £25 eye test reimbursement every two years
- Incremental pay award (awarded annually in April after one years’ service)
- Town centre office close to the station, canal and all amenities
Closing date: Sunday 13 September 2026
Interview date: W/C 21 September 2026
For more information please contact Caroline Ford – Development Management Team Leader on caroline.ford@cherwell-dc.gov.uk or 01295 221823.
Cherwell District Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Principal Planning Officers in Banbury employer: Cherwell District Council
Cherwell District Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. As a Strategic Regeneration Project Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects that shape the future of our community while benefiting from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration. Located in a vibrant district, we provide a unique chance to make a meaningful difference while enjoying a healthy work-life balance and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
