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, salary sacrifice options, and annual pay awards.
- 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.
Principal Planning Policy Officer employer: Cherwell District Council
Cherwell District Council is an exceptional 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 model and prime location near amenities enhance the overall work-life balance, making it an ideal place for passionate planning policy professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Policy Officer
✨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 and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on local planning policies and recent projects in North Oxfordshire. We want to show that we’re not just interested, but genuinely passionate about shaping vibrant places!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our answers to common interview questions, especially around project management and stakeholder engagement. Let’s make sure we can clearly articulate our experience and how it aligns with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Policy Officer
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. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious planning agenda, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've led!
Showcase Your Skills:Use your written application to demonstrate your strong analytical and project-management skills. We’re looking for someone who can manage complex policy areas, so give us examples of how you've successfully done this in the past.
Communicate Clearly:Your ability to translate technical evidence into clear policy is crucial. Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon where possible and keep it straightforward!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you’ll find all the details you need there. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cherwell District Council
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest national planning policies and local strategies. Familiarise yourself with Cherwell District Council's priorities and how they align with sustainable development goals. 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've led policy development or stakeholder engagement. Highlight your analytical skills and how you've used data to inform decisions.
✨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, from senior officers to community groups.
✨Demonstrate Political Awareness
Understanding the political landscape is crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated political sensitivities in past roles and how you plan to collaborate constructively with different parties to achieve planning objectives.
