Oxford City Council

Introduction

Oxford is the world-renowned core city at the heart of Oxfordshire in close proximity to both the Chilterns and the Cotswolds. It has a worldwide reputation for its heritage, and the "dreaming spires". Conservation and archaeology are thus important issues in Oxford.

The city is also recognised as a world leader in the fields of academic and scientific research. It has significant education and health sectors and has a thriving retail and business economy. This clearly results in considerable development pressures and provides a challenging professional planning environment that is second to none.

The city council has invested significantly in its planning service to help shape and mould these pressures and to provide a city that is forward looking and economically dynamic, yet also responsive and sensitive to the needs of its residents, workers and visitors.

New developments to secure planning permission are required to display the highest standards of design, responding to the high quality streetscape and significant sustainability policy thresholds. . There are considerable opportunities for planning officers to show their expertise and add value to the development management process, especially as pre-application dialogue is strongly encouraged.

Renaissance of the West End

The city council is preparing an area action plan to transform the West End of the city centre to create a new vibrant urban quarter. This renaissance will strengthen Oxford's future as a modern city of learning, culture and innovation. We are working in partnership with the County Council and SEEDA to achieve these ends. The city council has also submitted a bid to DCLG to be a New Growth Point.

The planning service

The planning service comprises three sections: planning policy, planning control and conservation and planning support.

We have a recently adopted local plan (Nov. 2005) and are on course to meeting our targets in relation to the emerging Local Development Framework. We have a number of recently adopted and emerging Supplementary Planning Documents on topical issues such as natural resource impact analysis, affordable housing, planning obligations, car parking, transport impact assessments and travel plans and telecommunications installations.

We deal with approximately 1,800 applications and 80 appeals a year. Our performance has improved dramatically over recent years, comfortably meeting all government targets. We are investing further in improving our already excellent website. We are, however, not prepared to stop there and wish to continuously improve our service.

The most important factor in providing an excellent service is the professionalism, commitment and conduct of our staff. We invest in their training and development, including supporting graduates wishing to secure a planning qualification. We offer our officers opportunities to develop transferable skills and we operate a very wide career structure, allowing significant progression through the grades. Nevertheless vacancies arise at all levels. We would therefore always welcome professional, competent and enthusiastic officers, who want to share in the challenge of achieving more and providing an exemplary service for our customers.

Employment package

• Flextime system;
• Final salary pension scheme;
• Generous relocation package may be available;
• Assistance with key worker housing may be available;
• Discounted use of all leisure facilities;
• Payment of professional subscriptions.