The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Planning Policy
Principal Planning Policy Officer
Grade I: £49,677.00 - £54,947.50 per annum
Full-time, permanent, agile working is supported
About Us:
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 our environment and shape sustainable, well-designed and vibrant places for our residents, communities, and businesses. With significant growth pressures and exciting regeneration opportunities, we are driving forward a proactive and positive 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:
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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:
We are looking for someone who has:
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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:
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. You’ll be part of a progressive, values-led council that embraces innovation and collaboration. In return, Cherwell offer a competitive package and a supportive culture that invests in your professional growth and wellbeing, including:
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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 years’ service)
- Town centre office close to the station, canal and all amenities
