Principal Planning Policy Officer

Dear Shannon,

JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB DETAILS
Post title: Principal Planning Officer (Strategic and Local Plan)
Post grade: Grade H
Post number:
Directorate: Planning
Section: Planning Policy
Reporting to: Adam Gooch – Strategic and Local Plan Manager
Line manager: No
Date updated: August 2025
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB
To take a lead role, working with the SLP Manager, in the preparation of the Cheltenham, Gloucester and 
Tewkesbury Strategic and Local Plan (SLP) and any other development plan documents and associated 
guidance. This includes leading on projects, and working with a project team, in the development of plan 
policies, site allocations and supporting evidence base throughout the preparation of the Plan, including at 
examination in public and through to adoption.
To provide professional support and mentoring to team members within the SLP team and wider specialist 
colleagues, acting as a role model to less experienced team members and provide support and feedback 
where appropriate.
To support the preparation of any supplementary plan documents, including site-wide masterplans, as 
required to support the SLP and the delivery of sustainable development.
To lead conversations with elected members, other council officers, statutory consultees, stakeholders and 
prescribed bodies, local communities and developers as appropriate in the development of plans. This will 
include participating at Council meetings, Member engagement meetings, and community consultation 
events.
To support the planning policy teams through undertaking monitoring, to include monitoring of housing and 
employment sites.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
To take a lead role on the preparation of robust evidence, either internally or through procurement of 
external expert consultants, to support plan-making and policy formulation. To undertake research and 
analysis that will inform and guide plan-making, undertaking critical analysis and challenging where 
necessary in order to ensure the best possible outcomes for our communities.
To work alongside the SLP Management Team to ensure the timely progression of the preparation of the 
SLP, taking responsibility for allocated projects and tasks and supporting effective partnership working 
between the partner authorities (Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council, Tewkesbury 
Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council).
we are Open and Honest we are Respectful we are Inclusive
To lead on specific projects, working with and coordinating the work of a project team, acting as one of the 
SLP’s principal planning specialists, including managing project progress, reporting and project risk 
management (working with the SLP Manager and Programme Manager as necessary). 
To take a lead role in facilitating positive and ongoing engagement between the SLP councils, our 
neighbouring planning authorities, partners and stakeholders in considering and planning for crossboundary matters, such as infrastructure delivery in order that the SLP authorities satisfy their requirements 
under the Duty to Cooperate.
To prepare clear and concise reports, and present complex material in an accessible way to elected 
members, senior management and stakeholders. To take a lead role in Member engagement through cross 
authority Member working groups and senior officer groups.
To provide professional support and mentoring to team members, both within the core SLP team and with 
other colleagues providing specialist support to the plan-making process.
To work collaboratively with the SLP Team and wider colleagues, including other specialist members of 
staff, in fulfilling statutory requirements and delivery of a sound and legally compliant SLP (and 
Supplementary Plans, as may be required).
To actively participate, give evidence and prepare reports relating to the Local Plan examination. 
To support the SLP Manager and deputise as and when required. 
To lead on community and stakeholder consultation and engagement in the development plan process, 
including attendance at parish and public meetings, and ensuring implementation is consistent with the 
statements of community involvement. 
To participate in corporate, cross directorate and cross authority Member working groups and liaising with 
outside bodies as required. This will include offering professional advice, as well as presenting to a range 
of different audiences. 
Ensuring that services are delivered in compliance with existing and new Health and Safety legislation and 
the respective Council’s Health and Safety policies and ensuring that duties are pursued in a safe manner 
with due regard to the Health and Safety of yourself and others. 
To adhere to all Council and SLP policies, including Equal Opportunities and data protection.