Bedford Borough lies at the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Arc. The Council is a member of the Oxford to Cambridge Pan–Regional Partnership whose role is to champion the region as a world leader of environmentally sustainable innovation and business. We have excellent transport connections to the national rail network (40 minutes from London) and to the national motorway network via the M1 and A1. In addition the Government’s growth programme commits to East-West Rail which will include stops in the south of the borough as well as in the heart of Bedford. This makes the Borough an excellent choice for investment: Universal Destinations and Experiences think so!

Bedford itself is a traditional market town with a range of excellent accommodation, educational settings, good quality cultural facilities, attractive urban parks, gardens and a riverside embankment. Bedford Borough Council is committed to a major programme of sustainable growth which will shape the Borough for generations to come. This will deliver thousands of new homes across urban and village locations, regenerate our town centres, deliver environmental enhancements and an improved transport system.

We have a good track record of plan making and can offer you the opportunity to get involved in all stages of local plan preparation from evidence gathering and policy development through to plan examination and adoption. You will also have the opportunity to help communities with their neighbourhood plans and support all aspects of local plan policy implementation and monitoring.  We are looking for an experienced, confident and self-motivated Principal Planner to join our friendly and supportive team to help deliver our ambitious plans. You should have a ‘can do’ attitude, excellent communication skills and a commitment to customer focused service. In this role you will assist and deputise for the team leader which will help you to develop your management and mentoring skills.

We have flexible working practices, with a mixture of working in our office in Bedford and home-working. See what some of our current staff have to say about working in the planning team at Bedford: https://youtu.be/HREFP5SdlDU

If you are interested in this position, and would like an informal chat, please email gill.cowie@bedford.gov.uk or Kim.wilson@bedford.gov.uk

Closing date: 9th December 2024.

Candidates must have a right to work in the UK to be eligible for the position.

How to apply
When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’

Armed Forces Covenant
Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for.


Disabled applicants
Bedford Borough Council is  a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.