Principal Planning Officer
| Posting date: | 28 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £42,839 to £48,226 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 27 February 2026 |
| Location: | Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | North Somerset Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | HSCA0054 |
Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and committed Principal Planning Officer to join our Strategic Development Team. The Strategic Development Team are responsible for guiding proposals through the development process including examining, processing and evaluating major planning and related applications including pre-and post-application advice, site inspections, negotiations, preparation and presentation of reports to a range of audiences.
In this role, you will be required to undertake development management activities for new development including planning applications, advice and appeals for major developments and related, compliance and enforcement. Roles at this level deliver a specific service, are part of a collaborative team responsible for strategic development activities within the Planning Service.
Key Responsibilities:
Process major planning applicants and make recommendations
Prepare reports, including proofs of evidence in relation to a range of appeals, and present evidence at hearings, and public inquiries, and at court proceedings
Give information and advice to businesses, the public and other stakeholders about legislative requirements and standards for compliance with planning legislation
Essential Criteria:
Significant evidence of working with the most complex and challenging areas of Development Management.
Academic qualifications in Town and Country planning or similar at Honours degree level or above, or in exceptional circumstances equivalent experience to give an in-depth level of knowledge necessary to undertake the most complex cases
A comprehensive knowledge of legislation, policy, regulations and professional codes of practice for Development Management
Ability to prepare & present information/evidence clearly and confidently at Public Inquiries and planning committee meetings.
Ability to manage and organise own work and assist that of colleagues to meet agreed deadlines.
Desirable Criteria:
Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or approved professional qualification relevant to the area of work
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Max Smith (Strategic Development Service Manager) at max.smith@n-somerset.gov.uk
In this role, you will be required to undertake development management activities for new development including planning applications, advice and appeals for major developments and related, compliance and enforcement. Roles at this level deliver a specific service, are part of a collaborative team responsible for strategic development activities within the Planning Service.
Key Responsibilities:
Process major planning applicants and make recommendations
Prepare reports, including proofs of evidence in relation to a range of appeals, and present evidence at hearings, and public inquiries, and at court proceedings
Give information and advice to businesses, the public and other stakeholders about legislative requirements and standards for compliance with planning legislation
Essential Criteria:
Significant evidence of working with the most complex and challenging areas of Development Management.
Academic qualifications in Town and Country planning or similar at Honours degree level or above, or in exceptional circumstances equivalent experience to give an in-depth level of knowledge necessary to undertake the most complex cases
A comprehensive knowledge of legislation, policy, regulations and professional codes of practice for Development Management
Ability to prepare & present information/evidence clearly and confidently at Public Inquiries and planning committee meetings.
Ability to manage and organise own work and assist that of colleagues to meet agreed deadlines.
Desirable Criteria:
Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or approved professional qualification relevant to the area of work
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Max Smith (Strategic Development Service Manager) at max.smith@n-somerset.gov.uk
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