Principal Planning Strategy Officer - Ebley Mill - Stroud in London

About the District

Stroud District is a truly exceptional place to live and work. With 50% of the district within a National Landscape, over 3,000 listed buildings, and internationally important wildlife sites, our district combines environmental quality with architectural heritage. It is a vibrant and desirable part of the south-west, offering a rich and inspiring setting for planners who want their work to make a visible difference.

Your next step in shaping and leading a transformative new Local Plan. Whether you are an experienced Principal Planning Officer seeking a fresh and meaningful challenge, or you’re ready to step up into a role with real influence in a fantastic area like Stroud, this is an exceptional opportunity to help shape the future of one of the most distinctive districts in the country.

From day one, you will play a central role in driving forward a brand‑new Local Plan within a progressive, forward‑thinking and genuinely supportive authority. We are seeking a proactive, motivated individual to lead and support colleagues within our Planning Strategy team, contributing directly to the vision, direction and delivery of the new Local Plan. You’ll be part of a collaborative, well‑regarded service where your ideas will be welcomed, your expertise valued, and your professional growth supported. This is a chance to work in an inspiring environment that will enable you to develop your career, strengthen your leadership skills, and build specialist expertise that will stay with you throughout your planning career.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong planning expertise who is ready to step confidently into a key role.

The role

• Lead on planning strategy plans and projects for the district including conducting surveys, public consultation exercises, collection, collation, analysis and presentation of data.
• Be responsible for ensuring an up-to-date and robust evidence base to underpin planning policies and strategies.
• Prepare evidence and present at public meetings, Council meetings, planning examinations, planning inquiries, planning appeals and exhibitions as required and to participate in and give evidence at such events when required by the Planning Strategy Manager.
• Liaise with other SDC departments and outside bodies to advise on planning policy matters.
• Attend and advise at meetings of outside bodies, such as Parish/Town Councils, when required by the Planning Strategy Manager.
• Provide policy consultation views and recommendations on planning applications and pre-applications in a timely, professional and consistent manner.
• Provide guidance and assistance to the Senior Planning Strategy Officers and other more junior staff.
• Represent the Council’s views in dealing with enquiries regarding the application of planning policy, legislation and other related matters.
• Attend and report to meetings of the Council, Strategy and Resource and Strategic Planning Advisory Board as required.
• To undertake 1-2-1’s and line management role with senior level members of the team as required.

About you

• RTPI membership.
• Strong planning experience.
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Emerging or proven line management ability.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and commitment to high‑quality customer service.
• Ability to prioritise and manage your workload effectively.

If you’re enthusiastic, proactive and ready to lead, we will support you in strengthening your management and people skills through identified training and learning.

INTERVIEW DATE: 2ND OR 3RD JUNE

Want to find out more? If you’d like to chat about the role, the team, or whether this could be the right next step for you, please contact Tom Ridley, Interim Planning Strategy Manager.

In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits.

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 orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities. 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.

To find out more about what makes our place, our people and our businesses so special, please follow the link to our dedicated website: Stroud District – The Natural Place.

Salary: GBP 51,356 per annum

Package: Excellent pension scheme - Flexi Working Scheme - Hybrid working approach - Employee Wellbeing Offer.

Contractual hours: 37

Basis: Permanent