At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and policy development for sustainable growth in the district.
- Company: Cherwell District Council, a forward-thinking local authority in North Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, and health benefits including eye test reimbursement.
- Other info: Agile working supported with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape vibrant communities and make a real impact on local planning policies.
- Qualifications: Extensive planning policy experience and relevant degree with RTPI membership.
The predicted salary is between 49677 - 54948 £ per year.
Cherwell District Council, in North Oxfordshire, is an ambitious and forward‑thinking local authority committed to delivering high quality planning services that support sustainable growth, protect the environment and shape vibrant places for residents, communities and businesses. With significant growth pressures and exciting regeneration opportunities, we are driving a proactive planning agenda that places quality, environmental stewardship and community outcomes at its heart.
As Principal Planning Policy Officer, you will play a leading role in shaping the strategic planning framework for the district. You will:
- Lead the preparation, review and implementation of the Local Plan and supporting planning policy documents, ensuring policies reflect national guidance, corporate priorities and local evidence.
- Lead significant projects and provide expert policy advice, including leading thematic policy areas, interpreting evidence and preparing Local Plan content.
- Project‑manage key areas of policy development, including strategic growth strategies for Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington, Heyford Park and rural settlements.
- Prepare, commission and interpret technical evidence to inform policy development.
- Provide expert planning policy advice to senior officers, Members, neighbourhood planning groups, developers and partner organisations.
- Represent the Council at examinations, hearings, public meetings, regional/national working groups and Duty to Cooperate engagements.
- Contribute to continual service improvement and oversee junior policy officers within the team.
- Ensure strong alignment between policy development, monitoring, corporate objectives and statutory requirements.
- Manage complex planning policy projects from inception to adoption, including evidence gathering, drafting policy, engaging stakeholders and presenting to Members.
- Lead on monitoring, data analysis and reporting to inform policy development and corporate decision‑making.
About You
- Extensive experience in planning policy within a local authority or consultancy environment.
- A relevant degree and membership of the RTPI.
- Strong analytical and project‑management skills, with the ability to lead complex policy areas with autonomy.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including translating technical evidence into clear policy.
- Political awareness, constructive collaboration skills and a commitment to high‑quality place‑shaping.
- A proactive, innovative and solutions‑focused approach aligned with Cherwell’s ambitions for sustainable development to 2042 and beyond.
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 and £25 eye test reimbursement.
- Incremental pay award (awarded annually in April after one year’s service).
- Town centre office close to the station, canal and all amenities.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. Closing date: Tuesday 05 May 2026 Interview date: w/c 11 May 2026 For more information please contact Chris Cherry – Planning Policy, Conservation & Design Manager on 01295 221851. Cherwell District Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Principal Planning Policy Officer in Banbury employer: Cherwell District Council
Cherwell District Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of North Oxfordshire. With a strong commitment to sustainable development and community engagement, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a supportive pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative team. The agile working policy and modern office location enhance work-life balance, making it an ideal place for passionate planning professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Policy Officer in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Cherwell District Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on local planning policies and recent projects in the area. We want to demonstrate our knowledge and passion for sustainable development, so let’s show them we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with us. This will help us articulate our experience and skills clearly, especially when discussing complex policy areas and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how our skills align with the council's ambitious plans for the future.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Policy Officer in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Planning Policy Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:We want to see your extensive experience in planning policy! Be specific about your past roles and projects, especially those that demonstrate your analytical and project-management skills. This is your chance to shine!
Communicate Clearly:Your written application should be clear and concise. Avoid jargon where possible and make sure your ideas flow logically. Remember, we’re looking for excellent communication skills, so let that come through in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cherwell District Council
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest planning policies and local regulations. Familiarise yourself with Cherwell District Council's strategic goals and how they align with national guidance. This will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Project Management Questions
Expect questions about your experience managing complex planning projects. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you led a project from inception to adoption, highlighting your analytical skills and stakeholder engagement strategies.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Planning Policy Officer, you'll need to translate technical evidence into clear policy. Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you've effectively engaged with various stakeholders in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Innovative Approach
Cherwell is looking for proactive and innovative thinkers. Think of examples where you’ve implemented creative solutions to planning challenges. This will help you stand out as someone who can contribute to the council’s ambitions for sustainable development.
