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- Tasks: Join our team to process and determine diverse planning applications.
- Company: Cherwell District Council, a progressive and innovative local authority.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, and support for your professional growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your planning career and help shape sustainable communities.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for planning and a customer-focused mindset.
- Other info: Agile working environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 25779 - 43537 £ per year.
Cherwell District Council’s busy Development Management team needs a bright, enthusiastic and dynamic individual to make a difference to our Planning service. This is a great opportunity for individuals to start their planning career, or for existing planners to gain experience within a framework that supports career progression while processing and determining a wide variety of planning applications.
With innovative and large-scale housing developments such as the country’s largest self-build community at Graven Hill, the exemplar zero-carbon development at Northwest Bicester, and the redevelopment of a former Cold War airbase, Cherwell is committed to doing things differently.
If you are enthusiastic and ambitious to develop your career in Planning and passionate about delivering well-planned sustainable communities, you could be what we’re looking for. We want customer focused people who embody our ambitions for a high quality, efficient and value for money development management service. You will need to be a self-starter who works quickly, accurately, and flexibly.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. You’ll be part of a progressive, values-led council that embraces innovation and collaboration. In return, Cherwell offer a competitive package and a supportive culture that invests in your professional growth and wellbeing, including:
- 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 years’ service)
- Town centre office close to the station, canal and all amenities
Closing date: Sunday 22 February 2026
Interview date: w/c 02 March 2026
For more information please contact Paul Ihringer - Development Management Team Leader on 01295 221817 or paul.ihringer@cherwell-dc.gov.uk
To apply please click on the 'apply button'
Cherwell District Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Planning Officer (Career Graded) employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Contact Detail:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer (Career Graded)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Cherwell District Council and their recent projects. Show your enthusiasm for their innovative developments and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Planning Officer. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Cherwell District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer (Career Graded)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning: Let us see your enthusiasm for planning in your application! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to creating sustainable communities. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the job description. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for in a Planning Officer. A tailored application shows us you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our council there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Planning Basics
Brush up on the fundamentals of planning and development management. Familiarise yourself with local policies, recent projects like Graven Hill, and sustainability practices. This will show your enthusiasm and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Focus
Prepare examples that highlight your customer service skills. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to work with various stakeholders and deliver value in a planning context. This is key for a role that emphasises community engagement.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Innovation
Cherwell District Council values innovation, so come prepared with ideas or examples of how you've approached challenges creatively in the past. This could be anything from using new technologies to streamline processes to proposing sustainable solutions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, ongoing projects, and the council's vision for future developments. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations.
