Chief Planning Officer

Stroud District Council

Ebley Mill, Stroud

  • Location Ebley Mill, Stroud
  • Sector Local Government
  • Client Stroud District Council
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration £86,166 per annum
  • Reference GSe127740
  • Closing Date 23rd January 2026

Located in the heart of beautiful Gloucestershire, Stroud District Council is seeking an inspiring, forward-thinking leader to join our  Leadership Management Team as our next Chief Planning Officer. This is a pivotal role at a time of opportunity and change, offering the chance to shape the future of our communities while driving innovation across our planning services.

As our new Chief Planning Officer, you will lead and direct our place shaping functions, including Development Management, Planning Strategy, Community Infrastructure, and planning specialists. A key opportunity will be integrating the wider planning functions into a more cohesive, high performing service, ensuring clarity, collaboration, and efficiency across teams.

Your leadership will guide the preparation and adoption of  a new Local Plan, setting the vision for sustainable growth and protecting and enhancing the environment across the district. Alongside this, you’ll champion customer service excellence, ensuring residents, developers, and stakeholders experience a responsive, joined up approach. Infrastructure planning will be central to your remit, including major projects such as the canal restoration and strategic housing developments, all vital to shaping the district’s future.

This is a new role, offering you the opportunity to make your mark and leave your legacy in Stroud district. You’ll embrace the government’s digital planning agenda, driving service transformation and continuous improvement. Performance management, integration, and stakeholder engagement will be key to success, alongside a commitment to outstanding customer service.

Stroud district is proud of its inclusive, community oriented ethos and its ambition to create sustainable, high quality places that meet the needs of today and tomorrow. You’ll work closely with our elected members and communities, senior colleagues, and stakeholders, influencing policy and shaping the district’s voice in the wider Gloucestershire landscape.

We’re looking for someone with:

  • A proven track record in senior planning leadership, ideally with experience of service transformation and digital innovation.
  • Strong understanding of planning legislation, policy, and frameworks.
  • Exceptional leadership and motivational skills, with the ability to inspire and retain and grow talent.
  • Commercial acumen and the ability to identify opportunities for efficiency and income growth.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence in political and public forums.

We offer flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working without mandated office days. However, visibility and presence will be important to build relationships and lead effectively.

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Contacts

Gary Evans: 07809 195 593
Marnie Lodhi: 07795 654812

Continue to full details and apply

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