Principal Planning Policy Officer in Gloucester

We are currently seeking to appoint Principal Planning Officers to support the Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury Strategic and Local Plan (SLP). The role will support the preparation of the SLP as we head towards our Regulation 19 consultation in the Autumn, followed by Submission to the Secretary of State. The contract will be for at least 6 months.

You are invited to submit CVs and confirmation of the ‘right to represent’ for up to five potential candidates for this role. For each candidate, the expected hourly or day rate should be provided. Candidates should be available to take on the role within six weeks of interview. Submitted candidates will initially be assessed using submitted CVs, and any that are not considered to meet the core responsibilities will be discounted. Remaining candidates will be invited for interview, through which competencies around the core responsibilities will be further explored and assessed against the following criteria:

• 5 – Excellent: Exceeds expectations with strong evidence
• 4 – Good: Meets expectations with solid evidence
• 3 – Satisfactory: Meets minimum requirements
• 2 – Weak: Limited evidence or below expectations
• 1 – Poor: Does not meet requirements

CVs should be submitted to Adam Gooch, Strategic and Local Plan Manager, by 5pm on Tuesday 26 May 2026. Interviews will be held Thursday 28 May, Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 June. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

To take a lead role, working with the SLP Manager, in the preparation of the Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury Strategic and Local Plan (SLP) and any other development plan documents and associated guidance. This includes leading on projects, and working with a project team, in the development of plan policies, site allocations and supporting evidence base throughout the preparation of the Plan, including at examination in public and through to adoption.

To provide professional support and mentoring to team members within the SLP team and wider specialist colleagues, acting as a role model to less experienced team members and providing support and feedback where appropriate. To support the preparation of any supplementary plan documents, including site-wide masterplans, as required to support the SLP and the delivery of sustainable development.

To lead conversations with elected members, other council officers, statutory consultees, stakeholders and prescribed bodies, local communities and developers as appropriate in the development of plans. This will include participating at Council meetings, Member engagement meetings, and community consultation events. To support the planning policy teams through undertaking monitoring, to include monitoring of housing and employment sites.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

To take a lead role on the preparation of robust evidence, either internally or through procurement of external expert consultants, to support plan-making and policy formulation. To undertake research and analysis that will inform and guide plan-making, undertaking critical analysis and challenging where necessary in order to ensure the best possible outcomes for our communities.

To work alongside the SLP Management Team to ensure the timely progression of the preparation of the SLP, taking responsibility for allocated projects and tasks and supporting effective partnership working between the partner authorities (Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council).

To lead on specific projects, working with and coordinating the work of a project team, acting as one of the SLP’s principal planning specialists, including managing project progress, reporting and project risk management (working with the SLP Manager and Programme Manager as necessary). To take a lead role in facilitating positive and ongoing engagement between the SLP councils, our neighbouring planning authorities, partners and stakeholders in considering and planning for cross-boundary matters, such as infrastructure delivery in order that the SLP authorities satisfy their requirements under the Duty to Cooperate.

To prepare clear and concise reports, and present complex material in an accessible way to elected members, senior management and stakeholders. To take a lead role in Member engagement through cross authority Member working groups and senior officer groups.

To provide professional support and mentoring to team members, both within the core SLP team and with other colleagues providing specialist support to the plan-making process. To work collaboratively with the SLP Team and wider colleagues, including other specialist members of staff, in fulfilling statutory requirements and delivery of a sound and legally compliant SLP (and Supplementary Plans, as may be required).

To actively participate, give evidence and prepare reports relating to the Local Plan examination. To support the SLP Manager and deputise as and when required. To lead on community and stakeholder consultation and engagement in the development plan process, including attendance at parish and public meetings, and ensuring implementation is consistent with the statements of community involvement.

To participate in corporate, cross directorate and cross authority Member working groups and liaising with outside bodies as required. This will include offering professional advice, as well as presenting to a range of different audiences. Ensuring that services are delivered in compliance with existing and new Health and Safety legislation and the respective Council’s Health and Safety policies and ensuring that duties are pursued in a safe manner with due regard to the Health and Safety of yourself and others. To adhere to all Council and SLP policies, including Equal Opportunities and data protection.