Planning Officer

Bath and North East Somerset Council; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Bath & North East Somerset Council as a Planning Officer, where you will manage your own workload, make critical planning decisions, and engage with stakeholders. This position offers a chance to contribute positively to the community while working in a high-performing, ambitious team focused on making impactful decisions.

Qualifications

• Experience in Development Management is essential.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage workload and recommend decisions.
• Prepare cases for Development Management Committee as needed.
• Manage appeals and promote discretionary services.

Skills

Planning Management

Decision Making

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Qualified Planner

Job description

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At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve people’s lives.

About the Team

Bath & North East Somerset is a successful & prosperous area with an outstanding and beautiful environment. It is a large and diverse area containing not only the internationally renowned City of Bath which is a World Heritage Site, but also an extensive area of Green Belt, smaller urban settlements two AONBs, numerous Conservation Areas and an abundance of listed buildings and other heritage assets. The District is subject to significant development pressure that needs to be carefully planned for and managed. The Council has also declared a climate emergency. Within this context Bath & North East Somerset Council is currently undertaking a considerable amount of plan making work, including the preparation of a Local Plan for the District; and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs).

Due to a high workload the Planning Service is seeking to appoint a motivated Planning Officer on a permanent basis, to work in Development Management on a full-time basis.

About the Role

In Development Management you will independently manage your own workload and recommend decisions with management support. Most applications will be determined by ‘delegated’ authority although some applications may be considered by Development Management Committee when you will present your own cases to Members. You will manage appeals connected to your casework and also promote our discretionary services to external stakeholders to secure additional income though Pre-Application Advice, Development Team and Planning Performance Agreements.

We are a high performing and ambitious Planning service which has been recognised through the RTPI Planning Excellence awards and are recent winners of the prestigious RTPI awards.

About You

The successful candidate needs to be a highly capable, enthusiastic and qualified planner, with experience in Development Management and able to work on their own initiative and within a positive team environment.

The principal accountabilities and requirements of both posts are set out in the Role Profile.

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Sarah James, Deputy Head of Planning Development Management, [emailprotected] or call 01225477577

Interview date: 13/07/2025

No Agencies Please.

About Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath & North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath & North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve peoples live. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity

We are a Disability Confident Employer find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs

Please note the Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register. This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered.