Principal Planning Officer

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 are look 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 and our exceptionally diverse physical, historic and natural environment offering infinite variety and interest with active Cotswold villages within the National Landscape (AONB), the Severn Vale, urban areas include 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 on 01453 766321 or [email protected]

CLOSING DATE: 13th July 2026

INTERVIEW DATE: 23rd July 2026

In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits. Please click here for more information: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/benefits-of-working-for-us

A 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 orientation, 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. 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