Planning Officer

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

Job summary

A local governmental organization in Keynsham is seeking a Planning Officer to join the Development Management Team. The role involves managing a caseload of planning applications and providing essential advice to ensure high-quality development standards. It's an excellent opportunity to develop a career in a supportive environment with a commitment to safeguarding and diversity. Ideal candidates will have development management knowledge and a proactive attitude. The salary ranges from £34,434 to £40,777, depending on experience.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Commitment to equality and diversity

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Qualified planner with strong development management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven track record in managing planning applications.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseload of planning applications and appeals.
• Assess development proposals to meet high standards.
• Provide advice to applicants and stakeholders.

Skills

Development management knowledge

Proactive attitude

Team collaboration

Education

Relevant 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 Planning Officer within the Development Management Team on a permanent basis.

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.

About the Role

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.

Within this context, the Development Management Team plays a vital role in assessing and determining a wide range of planning applications, providing advice to applicants and stakeholders, and ensuring that development proposals meet the highest standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing their own caseload of planning applications, appeals, and pre-application enquiries, contributing to the delivery of high-quality development across the District.

This post provides an excellent opportunity to work within a high-performing Development Management team and to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

About You

We are seeking a highly capable, proactive, and qualified planner with strong development management knowledge and skills. Candidates should be able to work effectively on their own initiative and as part of a positive team environment.

For more experienced candidates, the Planning Officer II Role Profile applies. Applications from those with less experience are also encouraged for these candidates, the Planning Officer I Role Profile applies. The Planning Officer Role Profiles attached to this advert cover equivalent roles in Development Management, Planning Policy and Enforcement please note it is the Development Management elements of the relevant Role Profile that apply to this post.

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Adrian Walker, Team Manager – Development Management by email at : [e-mail]

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Interview date : 20 / 01 / 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.