Planning Officer

North Somerset Council; Compton Dando; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority seeks a Planning Officer for a role involving the evaluation of planning applications and stakeholder management. This career-graded position offers opportunities for progression. The role requires a degree in Town and Country Planning, a passion for planning, and customer service experience. The position supports a hybrid working model, allowing for a balance of office and remote work.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension

Opportunities for professional development

Inclusive Staff groups

Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave

Dedicated in-house Wellbeing Team

Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Eligible for membership of RTPI.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Process and evaluate planning applications.
• Prepare reports for delegation or committee.
• Conduct site inspections and consult with stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with applicants and the public.

Skills

Passion for planning

Customer service experience

Education

Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent

Masters Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent

Job description

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a Planning Officer (Grade 5 or Grade 6 - depending on skills and experience) to join the Applications and Consents Team on a full or part time basis. This a career graded post that will enable your progression through the grades. Indeed, in the last 12 months alone, four members of the team have progressed to higher grades.

We are a well-staffed and high performing team that are 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 and 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 hybrid working environment. Most of the team predominantly work from home however, we attend the office as a team once a fortnight.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Tasks relating to the processing and evaluation of planning and related applications.
• Preparation of reports under the officer delegation arrangements or to the committee.
• Site inspections, negotiation, and consulting with consultees.
• Manage effective relationships with applicants, agents, town and parish council’s, 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 planning, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.

Desirable Criteria:

• Masters Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
• Eligibility for membership of RTPI
• Customer service experience

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. 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