Cotswold District Council

Principal Planning Officer£47,965- £50,991 per annum (plus pay award) 37 hours per week Permanent contractCirencester/agile working Are you an experienced planner ready to take the next step in your career? We're looking for a Principal Planning Officer to join our forward-thinking Planning Services team in Cirencester. You'll be part of a collaborative and supportive planning service of around 40 professionals working across Development Management, Natural and Built Environment, and Policy. Leading a sub-team of four (three direct reports), you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the district's growth while mentoring and inspiring others.This varied role combines managing a caseload of complex, often high-profile and sensitive planning applications with leading a small team of case officers and working on strategic improvement projects. You'll have the opportunity to influence and enhance our internal processes, support digital transformation initiatives, and help shape future planning strategies. We'll tailor projects to suit your interests and professional strengths, giving you the chance to make a lasting impact on how we deliver planning services.We're looking for someone who is organised, proactive, and an excellent communicator-equally confident presenting to Members and Committee, engaging with developers and consultants, or collaborating with heritage, policy, county, and parish colleagues. You'll need to balance technical expertise with diplomacy and the ability to consider diverse perspectives from communities and stakeholders. This role would suit an experienced planner or a Senior Planner with at least three years of experience who's ready to step up into a leadership role and take on new challenges.If you're passionate about good place-making, mentoring others, and shaping the future of planning in the Cotswolds, we'd love to hear from you. You will need A planning or related degree. Eligibility for full Membership of the RTPI. Substantial experience at Senior Planner level. The ability to facilitate and manage ongoing change The ability to inspire and successfully motivate others towards shared objectives 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 is a politically restricted appointment within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1989 and regulations made there under. Advert Closing Date: 18th November 2025Interview date: 28th November 2025What can we 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 of 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 We are rightly proud of the businesses, communities and residents who live in this beautiful part of the world, putting them first and at the heart of everything we do. We're busy recreating a council set up for success, which can deliver for the needs of our communities in a fast-changing environment. That means we need to be 'fleet of foot' and look for innovative and creative ways to deliver against our Corporate Plan priorities.That plan focuses on a range of important priorities including delivering good services for residents, responding to the climate emergency, supporting strong local communities, and evolving the district's vibrant economy.Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacanciesSafer 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.

Principal Planning Officer £47,965- £50,991 per annum (plus pay award) 37 hours per week Permanent contract Cirencester/agile working Are you an experienced planner ready to take the next step in your career? Were looking for a Principal Planning Officer to join our forward-thinking Planning Services team in Cirencester click apply for full job details

About The RoleWe are looking for a suitably qualified, experienced Surveyor with a broad range of skills who can make an immediate impact. Utilising your solid foundation of Building Control experience, you will be a part of a busy team delivering a quality service.In this role, you won't just sign off plans or conduct inspections. You'll help shape a safer, more sustainable built environment across one of the UK's most distinctive districts, from Cotswold stone cottages and listed buildings to energy efficient new builds and innovative developments. Your input will have lasting impact on local people and places.Our approach is agile and modern. We're constantly improving how we deliver services and use technology, and you'll have the freedom to influence how we evolve. Your ideas and insight will help shape the future of Building Control at the council. Carry out plan checks and site inspections for a wide variety of applications Advise and collaborate with developers, agents, and homeowners Champion a proactive, responsive, and customer-first service Help shape our evolving Building Control processes and digital tools If you're a Class 2a Registered Building Inspector, this is your opportunity to step into a senior role with clear, supported progression to higher-level registration. Our team is committed to helping you take that next step with CPD, mentoring, and practical support already in place. We would welcome applications from part time/job share applicants. You will need Class 2a Registered Building Inspector (or close to achieving it) Experience in a Building Control role (public or private) A relevant degree or equivalent qualification A great communicator who values collaboration, integrity, and practical problem-solving Special Conditions Full UK Driving License with access to a vehicle for work purposes For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification. What can we 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 of service An extra two volunteering days per year to support a charity of your choice 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 OrganisationWe are rightly proud of the businesses, communities and residents who live in this beautiful part of the world, putting them first and at the heart of everything we do. We're busy recreating a council set up for success, which can deliver for the needs of our communities in a fast-changing environment. That means we need to be 'fleet of foot' and look for innovative and creative ways to deliver against our Corporate Plan priorities.That plan focuses on a range of important priorities including delivering good services for residents, responding to the climate emergency, supporting strong local communities, and evolving the district's vibrant economy.Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacanciesSafer 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.