Principal Planning Policy Officer
Job details
* Salary: £49,677.00 - £54,947.50 per annum
* Contract: Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)
* Location: Castle Quay, Banbury
* Date posted: 06/05/2026
* Job reference: CDC000393R
Job description
Planning Policy
Grade I: £49,677.00 - £54,947.50 per annum
Full-time, permanent, agile working is supported.
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 the environment and shape vibrant places for residents, communities and businesses. With significant growth pressures and exciting regeneration opportunities, we are driving a proactive planning agenda that places quality, environmental stewardship and community outcomes at its heart.
To support this, we are seeking experienced and motivated Planning Policy professionals to play a leading role in our highly regarded Planning Policy Team.
About The Role
As Principal Planning Policy Officer, you will play a leading role in shaping the strategic planning framework for the district. You will:
* Lead the preparation, review and implementation of the Local Plan and supporting planning policy documents, ensuring policies reflect national guidance, corporate priorities and local evidence.
* Lead significant projects and provide expert policy advice, including leading thematic policy areas, interpreting evidence and preparing Local Plan content.
* Project‑manage key areas of policy development, including strategic growth strategies for Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington, Heyford Park and rural settlements.
* Prepare, commission and interpret technical evidence to inform policy development.
* Provide expert planning policy advice to senior officers, Members, neighbourhood planning groups, developers and partner organisations.
* Represent the Council at examinations, hearings, public meetings, regional/national working groups and Duty to Cooperate engagements.
* Contribute to continual service improvement and oversee junior policy officers within the team.
* Ensure strong alignment between policy development, monitoring, corporate objectives and statutory requirements.
* Manage complex planning policy projects from inception to adoption, including evidence gathering, drafting policy, engaging stakeholders and presenting to Members.
* Lead on monitoring, data analysis and reporting to inform policy development and corporate decision‑making.
About You
* Extensive experience in planning policy within a local authority or consultancy environment.
* A relevant degree and membership of the RTPI.
* Strong analytical and project‑management skills, with the ability to lead complex policy areas with autonomy.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including translating technical evidence into clear policy.
* Political awareness, constructive collaboration skills and a commitment to high‑quality place‑shaping.
* A proactive, innovative and solutions‑focused approach aligned with Cherwell’s ambitions for sustainable development to 2042 and beyond.
The Benefits
* 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 year’s service).
* Town centre office close to the station, canal and all amenities.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer.
Closing date: Tuesday 05 May 2026
Interview date: w/c 11 May 2026
For more information please contact Chris Cherry – Planning Policy, Conservation & Design Manager on 01295 221851.
Cherwell District Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults.
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