Principal Planning Officer in Cirencester

Principal Planning Officer in Cirencester

Cirencester Part-Time 40000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Cotswold District Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning projects and collaborate with a supportive team to shape communities.
  • Company: Forward-thinking Planning Services team in Cirencester.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and agile working options.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team of around 40 professionals.
  • Why this job: Take your planning career to the next level and make a real difference.
  • Qualifications: Experience in planning and strong teamwork skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.


About The Role
Principal Planning Officer
£52,425 - £52,709 plus 8% market supplement per annum
Permanent
Cirencester / Agile Working
Shape the Future of the Cotswolds
Are you an ambitious and experienced planner looking to work on some of the countrys most complex and rewarding planning projects in one of the UKs most distinctive landscapes? We are seeking a Principal Planning Officer to join our ambitious and forward-thinking Planning Service in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds, helping to deliver sustainable growth across an area renowned for its natural beauty, historic towns, and ambitious regeneration and commercial development opportunities.
Working within a collaborative Planning Service of around 40 professionals across Development Management, Policy, and Natural and Built Environment teams, you will lead a small sub-team of planners while managing a diverse caseload of major, strategic, commercial, and sensitive planning applications.
The role offers the opportunity to work on a wide range of high-profile planning projects, including major residential, commercial, heritage, and rural developments within the unique Cotswolds landscape. Alongside casework, you will contribute to service improvement initiatives, strategic projects, and the modernisation of planning processes.
This influential role requires strong technical planning skills, excellent judgement, and the confidence to engage effectively with Members, developers, consultants, parish councils, and local communities. We are looking for an organised and proactive planner who is ready to step into a leadership role, mentor junior colleagues, and help shape the future of planning within a dynamic and highly regarded authority.
If youre passionate about good place-making, mentoring others, and shaping the future of planning in the Cotswolds, wed love to hear from you.
You will need
  • A planning or related degree.
  • Eligibility for full Membership of the RTPI.
  • Substantial experience at Senior Planner level.
  • The ability to facilitate and manage ongoing change
  • The ability to inspire and successfully motivate others towards shared objectives
  • Deliver commitments and take ownership of own caseload, reshaping of plans to deliver required outcomes
    Special Conditions
  • Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes
  • This is a politically restricted appointment within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1989 and regulations made there under.
Advert Closing Date: 2nd July 2026
What can we do for you
  • Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
  • Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
  • 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
  • An extra two volunteering days per year to support a charity of your choice
  • A health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
  • Generous contributory local government pension scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
  • Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements

About The Organisation
We are rightly proud of the businesses, communities and residents who live in this beautiful part of the world, putting them first and at the heart of everything we do. Were busy recreating a council set up for success, which can deliver for the needs of our communities in a fast-changing environment. That means we need to be fleet of foot and look for innovative and creative ways to deliver against our Corporate Plan priorities.
That plan focuses on a range of important priorities including delivering good services for residents, responding to the climate emergency, supporting strong local communities, and evolving the districts vibrant economy.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.
Our organisation is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities.
Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.

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Principal Planning Officer in Cirencester employer: Cotswold District Council

Join our dynamic Planning Services team in Cirencester, where we prioritise collaboration and professional growth. As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, flexible agile working options, and a supportive work culture that encourages innovation and development. We are committed to fostering your career progression while making a meaningful impact in the community.

Cotswold District Council

Contact Details:

Cotswold District Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer in Cirencester

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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in Cirencester

Planning Expertise
Collaboration Skills
Leadership Skills
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Project Management
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Local Knowledge:In real estate, knowing the area is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have in the local market or community. Whether it’s part-time work in the area or even a few local projects, show us you're in the know!

Highlight Your Communication Skills:Part-time roles in real estate rely heavily on strong communication, both written and verbal. In your cover letter, give examples of how you’ve communicated effectively in previous roles. We're looking for confident communicators who can work with our clients smoothly.

Be Flexible with Your Availability:As you're applying for a part-time role, it's important to communicate your availability clearly. Let us know when you can work, especially during weekends or evenings. This helps us understand how you fit into our current team structure.

Customize Your Application for Us!:Don’t just send out the same CV everywhere! Tailor your application specifically for Cotswold District Council and the role of Principal Planning Officer. Mention how your skills will contribute to our mission and why you’re excited to be part of our team. We're eager to see what makes you a great match!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cotswold District Council

Know Your Local Market

As someone looking to step into the real estate game, it's crucial for us to know the local property market inside out. Brush up on the trends, average property prices, and the type of clients in your area. This shows Cotswold District Council that you're not just looking for a part-time gig but are genuinely interested in making a difference in the local scene.

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