At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning projects and mentor junior colleagues in a vibrant district.
- Company: Join a progressive council committed to sustainable development and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent pension, flexible working, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and creativity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Stroud while protecting its unique environment and heritage.
- Qualifications: Strong planning skills and experience in managing complex applications.
About us and the role
We are looking for a highly motivated, organised and proactive Principal Planner who is ready to step into a leadership role, mentor junior colleagues, and positively shape and protect the valued historic and natural environment of the district. Stroud district is a vibrant and progressive area. We have an active development and regeneration sector where we aim to achieve sustainable development and address climate impacts, becoming a carbon neutral district by 2030. We have a rich industrial history with cotton mills set within the Stroud Valleys. However, our District is living, modern and innovative, offering an exceptionally diverse physical, historic and natural environment with active Cotswold villages within the National Landscape (AONB), the Severn Vale, urban areas including the southern parts of Gloucester and market towns like Nailsworth, Minchinhampton and Wotton under Edge.
This opportunity is within our development management non-strategic team, a friendly and busy team dealing with a wide range of interesting projects. With the diverse nature of the district, the role offers the opportunity to work on a wide range of planning projects, including major residential, commercial, heritage, renewable energy and rural developments within the unique Cotswolds villages, the National Landscape, the Severn Vale and urban areas. The work can be challenging but we aim to be proactive and positive, and with a shared team approach, we look to provide a supportive environment to allow creative solutions and positive results.
About you
As Principal Planning Officer, you will have a caseload of planning applications, pre-application enquiries, planning appeals, and other related activities. These will be more complex in nature and will require effective management to meet both performance and quality targets. Working within a collaborative planning service of professionals, you will also lead a small sub-team of planners and assistants. This role requires strong technical planning skills, excellent judgement, and the confidence to engage effectively with Councillors, developers, consultants, parish councils, and local communities. The role also includes presenting applications at committee and evidence at planning inquiries.
If you would like an informal discussion, please contact Gemma Davis, Development Team Manager.
In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm, we provide a range of staff benefits. Local government reorganisation is planned for Gloucestershire, which may result in changes to structures and services. Potential changes are provisionally timetabled for April 2028. We are committed to supporting all employees through this transition and ensuring continuity of employment wherever possible. Joining us now means you’ll be part of shaping an exciting new chapter for local government.
It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientations, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities. We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates and value the diverse lived experiences they bring. We recognise the wide range of cognitive strengths that contribute to delivering high-quality services.
We are committed to ensuring that every applicant can participate fully and fairly in our recruitment process. To support this, we offer workplace adjustments at every stage. Please let us know if you have any additional requirements as we are here to help create a positive, inclusive, and equitable experience for all.
Responsible recruitment practices for safeguarding are in place within the Council’s HR policies and processes. This is part of our commitment as a Council to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people, and children.
Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It’s green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, and unapologetically ambitious.
Region: Ebley Mill - Stroud
Salary: GBP 51,356 per annum (pay award pending)
Package: Excellent pension scheme - Flexi Working Scheme - Hybrid working approach - Employee Wellbeing Offer
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Permanent
Principal Planning Officer - Ebley Mill - Stroud in Bedford employer: Stroud District Council
Stroud District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises sustainability and community engagement. As a Principal Planning Officer, you will have the opportunity to lead a dynamic team while working on diverse and impactful projects within the stunning Cotswolds region. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and professional development, joining us means being part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to shaping a better future for our district.
