Planning Officer

Bath and North East Somerset Council; Keynsham; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Bath and North East Somerset Council is recruiting a Planning Officer within the Development Management team. The role offers the chance to manage a variety of development proposals and to contribute to local planning policy and service delivery.

We are seeking a qualified planner with strong policy knowledge, good customer service, and the ability to work independently and as part of a supportive team in a council focused on improving residents' lives.

Qualifications

• Qualified planner with experience on development proposals.
• Good knowledge of planning policy and legislation.
• Effective customer service skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Deal with a range of development proposals.
• Apply knowledge of planning policy and legislation.
• Provide customer service to applicants.
• Work independently and as part of a supportive team in the Development Management context.

Skills

Planning

Customer service

Planning policy

Teamwork

Education

Planning qualification

Job description

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

Salary: Planning Officer I £34,434 - £37,280 (Grade 7)

Planning Officer II £38,220 - £40,777 (Grade 8)

Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council is seeking to recruit a full-time Planning Officer within the Development Management side of the Planning Service

B&NES is a successful 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, two National Landscapes, numerous Conservation Areas and an abundance of listed buildings and other heritage assets. All this makes the District a hugely attractive place to work, live and visit.

Given the government’s growth agenda the District is subject to significant development pressure that needs to be carefully planned for and managed. The Council has also declared climate and ecological emergencies.

About the Role

This is a great opportunity to work with a highly motivated and professional development management team and, as such, we are seeking applications from candidates with suitable qualifications and experience of dealing with a range of development proposals. The post provides an opportunity to deliver positive change in people’s lives and to develop your career in a supportive working environment.

About You

The successful candidate needs to be a capable, enthusiastic and qualified planner, with experience of dealing with a variety of development proposals, a good knowledge of planning policy and legislation and effective customer service skills. You need to able to work effectively on their own initiative and within a positive team environment.

For more experienced candidates Planning Officer II Role Profile applies. Whilst the Council is seeking candidates with development management experience, applications from those with less experience are also encouraged – for these candidates Planning Officer I Role Profile applies. The Planning Officer Role Profiles attached to this advert also covers the equivalent roles in Policy and Enforcement – please note it is the Development Management related elements of the relevant Role

Interview date: 20/09/2026

No Agencies Please.

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

About Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath and 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 and 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 and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples lives. 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.

Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.