About Us
Cherwell District Council, in North Oxfordshire, is an ambitious and forward-thinking local authority committed to delivering high quality planning services that support sustainable growth, protect our environment and shape sustainable, well-designed and vibrant places for our residents, communities, and businesses. With significant growth pressures and exciting regeneration opportunities, we are driving forward a proactive and positive planning agenda that places quality, environmental stewardship, and community outcomes at its heart.
To support this, we are seeking a motivated Planning Policy professional to play a key role in our highly regarded Planning Policy Team.
The Role
As a Senior Planning Policy Officer, you will play a key role in developing, reviewing and implementing the Council’s planning policies. You will:
- Lead on specific elements of the Local Plan and supporting policy documents.
- Prepare and assess technical evidence to support policy development.
- Draft planning policies, reports, and consultation material.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across planning, housing, transport, environment and regeneration.
- Provide support for neighbourhood planning.
- Provide informed advice to Members, senior officers, communities and external stakeholders.
- Support public engagement, including exhibitions, presentations and consultation events.
- Represent the Council at external meetings and, where required, at examinations or hearings.
- Support junior officers and contribute to service improvements.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience in planning policy, ideally in a local authority setting.
- Holds a relevant degree and has RTPI membership.
- Has strong analytical skills and experience working with planning evidence bases.
- Communicates clearly and confidently, both in writing and in person.
- Can manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality work to deadlines.
- Works collaboratively, proactively and with professional confidence.
- Is committed to delivering sustainable development and high‑quality place‑making.
Closing date: 5 May 2025.
