Planner

Stratford-on-Avon District Council,

Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford-on-Avon is, without doubt, one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, home to over 135,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year, from across the globe. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work and visit.

At the Council, our people are our superpower and by choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a great team where everyone feels that they truly belong, full of dedicated people all working with passion and purpose, across a dynamic portfolio of work providing high-quality services.

Benefits:

As part of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Flexibility:

• A minimum of 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
• Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role)
• Flexi-time scheme for a better work-life balance.
  
  
  

Lifestyle:

• Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses.
• Eye test voucher scheme
• Everyone Active Gym Membership discount
  
  
  

Professional Development:

• Training and Development opportunities.
• Payment of one professional subscription fee
  
  
  

Financial Planning:

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future.
• Access to free Will writing services.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Salary Sacrifice schemes e.g. Cycle to Work etc.
• Free town centre parking
  
  
  

What to Expect in the Role:

We are looking for people who will enjoy processing planning applications, appeals, pre-application enquiries, and all related planning matters in a dynamic and geographically diverse District.

Opportunities will be available to handle proposals for residential, commercial, and employment schemes in both rural and market town contexts and to get to grips with proposals within the West Midlands Green Belt and Cotswolds National Landscape (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities (Please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details):

• To process and determine all applications submitted under the Town and Country Planning Acts and other related legislation, under the supervision of the Planners Team Leaders and Planning Manager (Applications & Committee).
• Validation of applications, carrying out site visits, professional interpretation of relevant policies and guidance, assessment of comments and consultations received,
• To present your own applications at planning committee (and regulatory committee).
• To provide high quality written pre-application advice
• To be part of the “Duty Officer” rota of planners and senior planners.
• To arrange and attend meetings when this is the best way of progressing negotiations.
• To provide appropriate responses and negotiate with developers as required on discharge of conditions applications and sign off associated decisions.
• To prepare written representations; appeal statements; prepare for and act as the Council witness at informal hearings etc.
• To contribute at all times to the teams’ delivery of an excellent service and to current service performance measures.
• This is a politically restricted specified post as defined by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Democracy, economic Development and Construction Act 2009.
• This post is considered to be ‘public facing’ in accordance with the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7). Therefore, post holders are required to speak fluent English or have a command of spoken English that is sufficient to enable the effective performance of the role.
  
  
  

What You’ll Need (Please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details):

• Planning Legislation Knowledge: Understanding of planning legislation, guidance, and the operation of the planning system as it pertains to development management within a Local Planning Authority.
• Technical Report Skills: Ability to quickly interpret plans and drawings and compile clear and comprehensive reports.
• Collaborative Working: Ability to work effectively and positively with colleagues and Planning Committee members.
• Design Improvement Commitment: Dedication to improving design within development management.
• Educational Qualifications: Holding a degree or postgraduate qualification in planning or a related discipline, and membership (or working towards membership) in the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
  
  
  

Right To Work

Applicants must have existing Right to Work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini etc.

Artificial Intelligence could be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by AI, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal applicants may be subject to disciplinary action.

Interview Format

All interviews for this position will be held face to face, as we believe this offers the best experience for candidates and panel members.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Joseph Brooke (Planners Team Leader) or Alice Cosnett (Planners Team Leader) on [email protected] or alice.cosnett@stratford-dc.gov.uk,

Applications will close at midnight on 14.09.2026

Interviews will be held the week commencing 21.09.2026