Senior Planning Officer

Senior Planning Officer

SAFE Consulting Group – Cirencester, United Kingdom

Salary: £39,883 - £43,040 per annum, 37 hours per week.

Contract: Permanent.

Work Hours: 37 hours per week, hybrid working (expect to be in the office at least two days per week).

Location: Cirencester (within the Cotswold National Landscape).

Job Summary: As a Senior Planning Officer with Cotswold District Council you will help shape the future of one of the most distinctive and desirable areas in the UK. Working within rolling designated Cotswold National Landscape, picturesque market towns, and a strong sense of community pride, you will handle a mix of complex planning applications, mentoring Assistant Planners, and engaging stakeholders such as parish councils, planning consultants and technical consultees.

You will also contribute to an improvement programme, reviewing processes, shaping new ways of working and delivering a more efficient and responsive service.

• Assess and decide on complex planning applications, ensuring compliance with national and local planning policy.
• Mentor and support Assistant Planners, fostering their professional growth.
• Build strong relationships with members, consultants, parish councils and technical consultees.
• Participate in the development of initiatives to improve efficiency, quality and responsiveness of the Planning Service.
• Present and negotiate outcomes to stakeholders, maintaining a calm and confident approach in challenging circumstances.

• A planning or related degree.
• Full membership eligibility of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Substantial relevant professional experience – at least 5 years is preferred, though 3 years will be considered for a step‑up.
• Experience working flexibly as part of a team and collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Experience in continuous service improvement and product development to meet customer needs.
• Ability to remain calm and confident when dealing with challenging customers and environments.

• Full UK driving licence.
• Access to a vehicle for work purposes.
• This is a politically restricted appointment in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989 and related regulations.

• Agile working – mix of home and office.
• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role).
• 27 days paid annual leave (pro‑rated for part‑time staff). 30 days after five years of service.
• Two extra volunteering days per year to support a charity of your choice.
• Health cash plan – cash‑back on health, dental and eye care.
• Generous contributory local government pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 counselling).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Salary‑sacrifice car lease scheme (significant tax/NI savings on electric cars).
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements.

We are committed to putting people first – the businesses, communities and residents of the Cotswold. We are building a council designed for success, focused on delivering good services, responding to the climate emergency, supporting local communities and evolving the district’s vibrant economy.

We are an accredited disability confident scheme; we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. If you are a disabled applicant, please include this information in your covering statement or send a separate email.

Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will need 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.

Advert Closing Date: 13th January 2026.

Interview Dates: 23rd and 30th January 2026.

How to Apply: Please apply via the official SAFE Consulting Group career portal. For any enquiries, contact the Hiring Manager at