Job Title: Senior Planner
Team / Department: Planning Applications, Development
Location: Elizabeth House, Stratford-upon-Avon and Remote Working
Employment Status: Full Time, Permanent
Hours per week: 37
Working Arrangements: Hybrid Working
Salary: Grade F - £44,075- £47,181 p.a. plus Market Forces Payment of £3,000 per annum (for two years from January 2026)
About Us: Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford-on-Avon is, without doubt, one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, home to over 135,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year, from across the globe. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work and visit.
At the Council, our people are our superpower and by choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a great team where everyone feels that they truly belong, full of dedicated people all working with passion and purpose, across a dynamic portfolio of work providing high-quality services.
Benefits
Flexibility
* A minimum of 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
* Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role)
* Flexi-time scheme for a better work-life balance.
Lifestyle
* Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses.
* Eye test voucher scheme.
* Everyone Active Gym Membership discount.
Professional Development
* Training and Development opportunities.
* Payment of one professional subscription fee.
Financial Planning
* Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future.
* Access to free Will writing services.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Salary Sacrifice schemes e.g. Cycle to Work etc.
* Free town centre parking.
What to Expect in the Role: The Major Applications Team is a busy team dealing with the largest applications across the district. You will have responsibility for a caseload focussed on Major Planning Applications and other types of applications associated with large scale developments.
You will be responsible for the accurate validation of applications, carrying out site visits, application of relevant policies and guidance, preparing delegated and committee reports and issuing decisions. You will be expected to show enthusiasm, drive and a high level of personal organisational skills to manage a large volume of simpler applications. You will need good customer skills as the role involves regular contact with District Councillors, Parish Councils and members of the public.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
* Validate applications.
* Carry out site visits.
* Professional interpretation of relevant policies and guidance.
* Assessment of comments and consultation responses received.
* Negotiate on applications where required.
* Attendance at meetings.
* Preparation of delegated and committee reports.
* Issue decisions in accordance with the delegated authority to be given by the Head of Service.
* Liaise with colleagues, consultees, elected members and Parish Councils.
* Present your own and colleagues’ applications at planning committee.
What You’ll Need
* Ability to provide a high standard of customer care and be an effective communicator.
* Excellent written skills.
* Experience of working in a planning applications team.
* Ability to prioritise tasks effectively to meet performance measures.
* Sound knowledge of planning legislation guidance and procedures.
Right To Work: Applicants must have existing Right to Work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence could be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by AI, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal applicants may be subject to disciplinary action.
Interview Format
All interviews for this position will be held face to face, as we believe this offers the best experience for candidates and panel members.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Emily Napier, Team Leader Major Applications on 01789 260363 or Emily.Napier@stratford-dc.gov.uk. Also contact Charlotte Dicks, Assistant Team Leader Major Applications on 01789 260308 or charlotte.dicks@stratford-dc.gov.uk.
Applications will close at midnight on Monday 22nd June 2026.
Interviews will be held the week beginning Monday 6th July 2026.
To apply, please visit the current vacancies page on the Stratford-on-Avon District Council website or email hr@stratford-dc.gov.uk.
The Council is committed to equality of opportunity and aims to create a welcoming, inclusive workplace where we are all able to bring our whole selves to work and perform at our best.
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