S enior Planning Officer
£40,140-£43,240 per annum (plus pay award)
37 hours per week, Permanent contract
Witney/ agile working
Are you an experienced Planning Officer ready to take the next step in your career?
West Oxfordshire District Council is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to join our friendly and forward-thinking Development Management team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with around three years experience managing small residential or mixed-use developments, whos confident presenting at committee meetings and engaging with the public. Youll handle a varied and interesting caseload across one of the most distinctive areas in the UK from charming rural communities and bustling market towns to nationally significant sites such as Blenheim Palace and the RAF Brize Norton area.
Working as part of a small, supportive team of three within a wider Development Management service of ten and a Planning Service of forty, youll enjoy the benefits of close collaboration while being mentored by experienced Principal Planners. We offer a culture that values professional growth and knowledge sharing, helping you progress your career within local government. Youll also work closely with colleagues across enforcement, policy, and specialist planning functions, gaining exposure to the full spectrum of planning work.
West Oxfordshire is an ambitious council actively investing in the digitisation of planning services, working with government grants to deliver smarter, more efficient service delivery. Whether you come from a local authority background seeking your next challenge, or from the private sector looking to move into public service, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to develop your expertise, shape great places, and make a lasting impact on one of Englands most beautiful and diverse districts.
You will need
Planning or related degree.
Eligibility for full Membership of the RTPI.
Substantial relevant professional experience.
Experience of working flexibly as part of a team and collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders
Experience of being involved in continuously improving services and developing products to meet customer need
Deliver commitments and take ownership of own caseload, reshaping of plans to deliver required outcomes
Special Conditions Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes
This role is politically restricted postholders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.
Closing date- 30th November 2025
Interview date- 11th December 2025
What we can do for you Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years service and 33 days following 10 years continuous service
In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
Generous contributory local government pension scheme
Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
Cycle to work scheme
Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
About The Organisation
West Oxfordshire District Council is a forward-looking council, putting residents first and working in partnership to support our communities. We are delivering an ambitious Council Plan for the district that is focused on important local priorities including affordable housing, climate and ecological action, helping our economy to grow and building communities.
We also provide a range of important local services that make a positive impact to our district on a daily basis including planning, housing, waste and recycling collections, leisure centres, community safety and environmental health.
Joining West Oxfordshire District Council you will be helping us achieve our goals for the district and play a part in supporting our communities, our businesses and our environment.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children.
Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
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