Planning Policy Officer

North Somerset Council; Weston-super-Mare; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Weston-super-Mare is seeking a dedicated planning policy team member. This role involves contributing to the Local Plan and requires an undergraduate degree in Town and Country Planning alongside planning policy knowledge. The position promotes a hybrid working environment while offering numerous benefits, including competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture. If you're passionate about planning and sustainable development, apply to make a significant impact in the community.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive Staff groups

Additional annual leave purchase option

Dedicated Wellbeing Team

Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Qualifications

• One year’s experience dealing with a wide range of planning issues.
• Broad knowledge of planning policy, legislation, processes and practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review Development Plan Documents.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for sustainable development.
• Present evidence for local plan examinations.
• Provide expert policy advice for development management.

Skills

Planning policy knowledge

Excellent research skills

Report writing

Verbal communication

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Undergraduate 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 looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our busy planning policy team to help us progress our Local Plan at a crucial stage in the plan-making process.

In this role you will be working as part of a friendly and supportive team contributing to the formulation of the local plan, neighbourhood development plans and supplementary planning documents through evidence gathering and analysis.

Our work means balancing significant development pressures in a constrained area which includes Green Belt, Mendip Hills National Landscape, 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.

This is a career graded post, offering the successful applicant good long-term career development prospects. We will be looking to recruit at either Level 5 or Level 6 dependent on the knowledge, skills and experience you have. Further information can be found in the attached job description.

Key Responsibilities

• Make a significant contribution towards the preparation, monitoring and review of Development Plan Documents.
• Work effectively with colleagues, stakeholders and other partner agencies to deliver sustainable development.
• Understand working in a political environment.
• Prepare evidence for local plan examinations and present evidence where appropriate according to abilities.
• Excellent research, report writing, verbal communication and project management skills.
• Manage and prioritise your own workload.
• Analyse and interpret data and make recommendations to support the plan-making process.
• Provide expert policy advice to colleagues within the service to support development management and enforcement decisions.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• Work both from home and the office. While this position is based in the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, we operate a hybrid working environment. Most of the team predominantly work from home however, we currently attend the office as a team once a week, or more frequently depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work‑life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in‑office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about planning and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria

• Undergraduate Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
• For the higher grade at least one year’s experience dealing with a wide range of planning issues.
• A broad knowledge of planning policy, legislation, processes and practices.

Desirable Criteria

• Eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or equivalent.
• Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel.

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