Planning Officer - Development Management

The Methodist Church in Britain; Yeovil; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

1-2 days a week in area office

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Planning Officer in the Development Management team. The role handles a varied caseload across the county, from householder extensions to larger developments, advising developers and agents, and leading on appeals. The post is permanent with hybrid working, split hours between Yeovil and Taunton offices.

Experience in development management, strong IT skills, and RTPI membership or progression toward it are preferred. Right to work in the UK is required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or related subject, or equivalent experience.
• RTPI membership or eligibility, or commitment to working towards it.
• Experience managing a varied planning caseload and delivering against performance targets.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of planning applications, from householder developments to new homes, commercial developments and infrastructure.
• Deliver robust planning decisions and provide a professional, customer-focused planning service.
• Work with developers, agents, councillors and local communities, giving expert advice and practical solutions to complex challenges.
• Visit sites, assess proposals and produce clear recommendations.
• Present cases at Planning Committee and influence decision-making.
• Lead on planning appeals.
• Investigate planning compliance issues and negotiate positive outcomes.
• Support enforcement and compliance activity and protect the environment.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Adaptability

IT skills

Collaborative approach

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related subject

RTPI membership or eligibility

Job description

Planning Officer in the Development Management team at Somerset Council, a permanent post handling a varied caseload of planning applications across the county. The role takes schemes from householder extensions through to larger developments, advises developers and agents, leads on planning appeals and presents cases at Planning Committee. Hours are split between the Yeovil and Taunton offices (37 and 18 hours a week), with hybrid working, and part-time or flexible patterns considered. Visa sponsorship is not offered, so candidates need an existing right to work.

What the job involves

• Manage a diverse caseload of planning applications, from householder developments and minor schemes to new homes, commercial developments and infrastructure
• Deliver robust planning decisions and provide a professional, customer-focused planning service
• Work with developers, agents, councillors and local communities, giving expert advice and practical solutions to complex challenges
• Visit sites, assess proposals and produce clear recommendations
• Present cases at Planning Committee and influence decision-making
• Lead on planning appeals
• Investigate planning compliance issues and negotiate positive outcomes
• Support enforcement and compliance activity and protect the character and quality of Somerset's environment
• Contribute to Somerset's future planning policy, including the single Local Plan for the county

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or a related subject, or equivalent experience
• RTPI membership or eligibility, or a commitment to working towards it

Experience

• Experience managing a varied planning caseload and delivering against performance targets

Skills & knowledge

• Strong planning knowledge, including development management, policy, legislation and case law
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Sound judgement and adaptability, managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong IT skills
• Collaborative, customer-focused approach

Checks & eligibility

• Right to work in the UK without needing visa sponsorship

Nice to have

• Experience representing a local authority at planning appeals

What’s offered

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working, with 1-2 days a week in the area office
• Part-time and flexible working patterns considered
• Health and wellbeing support, including confidential employee assistance
• Paid volunteering opportunities