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Senior Planning Officer
| Posting date: | 04 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,341 to £37,035 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Level 7:- £34,314 - £37,035 per annum |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 29 June 2025 |
| Location: | North Somerset |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 4 days per week |
| Company: | North Somerset Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | EHSD0007 |
Summary
The Role
We are seeking a Senior Planning Officer to join the Applications and Consents (minors) Team.
We are a well-staffed and high performing team responsible for facilitating and regulating land use changes in accordance with local and national policies and guidance. While this is a high-level description of what we do, we assess and decide planning applications to achieve the best planning outcomes. We must balance the competing interests of applicants, developers, neighbours, relevant stakeholders, and the public at large, as well as the economy and the environment.
North Somerset is a constrained area in planning terms with Green Belt, National Landscapes, extensive areas vulnerable to flooding, and other sensitive environments. Our challenges are wide ranging and as a result there will be plenty of opportunity to develop your career.
While this position is based in the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, we operate a hybrid working environment. Most of the team predominantly work from home however, we attend the office as a team once a fortnight.
Key Responsibilities:
Tasks relating to the processing and evaluation of planning and related applications to include site inspections, negotiation, and liaising with consultees.
Preparation of reports under the officer delegation arrangements or to the committee.
To prepare written statements in relation to a range of appeals and to present evidence, where appropriate, at hearings and committees.
Manage effective relationships with applicants, agents, town and parish council’s, consultees, council employees, and the public.
See the attached career grade structure for further information.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about development management, and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
Undergraduate Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
A minimum of 2 years’ experience dealing with a wide range of planning issues.
A broad knowledge of planning policy, legislation, processes and practices.
Experience handling planning appeals.
Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel.
Desirable Criteria:
Master’s Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
Eligibility for membership of RTPI.
Customer Service
We offer:
Competitive salary and benefits
Flexible working arrangements
Local Government Pension
Opportunities for professional development
Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact David Ditchett, Applications and Consents Service Manager at David.Ditchett@n-somerset.gov.uk
Interview Date: Tuesday 08 July 2025.
We are seeking a Senior Planning Officer to join the Applications and Consents (minors) Team.
We are a well-staffed and high performing team responsible for facilitating and regulating land use changes in accordance with local and national policies and guidance. While this is a high-level description of what we do, we assess and decide planning applications to achieve the best planning outcomes. We must balance the competing interests of applicants, developers, neighbours, relevant stakeholders, and the public at large, as well as the economy and the environment.
North Somerset is a constrained area in planning terms with Green Belt, National Landscapes, extensive areas vulnerable to flooding, and other sensitive environments. Our challenges are wide ranging and as a result there will be plenty of opportunity to develop your career.
While this position is based in the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, we operate a hybrid working environment. Most of the team predominantly work from home however, we attend the office as a team once a fortnight.
Key Responsibilities:
Tasks relating to the processing and evaluation of planning and related applications to include site inspections, negotiation, and liaising with consultees.
Preparation of reports under the officer delegation arrangements or to the committee.
To prepare written statements in relation to a range of appeals and to present evidence, where appropriate, at hearings and committees.
Manage effective relationships with applicants, agents, town and parish council’s, consultees, council employees, and the public.
See the attached career grade structure for further information.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about development management, and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
Undergraduate Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
A minimum of 2 years’ experience dealing with a wide range of planning issues.
A broad knowledge of planning policy, legislation, processes and practices.
Experience handling planning appeals.
Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel.
Desirable Criteria:
Master’s Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
Eligibility for membership of RTPI.
Customer Service
We offer:
Competitive salary and benefits
Flexible working arrangements
Local Government Pension
Opportunities for professional development
Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact David Ditchett, Applications and Consents Service Manager at David.Ditchett@n-somerset.gov.uk
Interview Date: Tuesday 08 July 2025.
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Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.