Principal Planning Officer

Bath & North East Somerset Council; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a motivated and experienced Principal Planning Officer to join their Planning Policy Team on a fixed-term basis. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant planning initiatives within a diverse and beautiful district. The successful candidate will play a vital role in managing complex site and policy issues, while working in a supportive environment that values community impact and professional growth. If you are passionate about planning and eager to make a difference in your community, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Community Engagement Initiatives

Supportive Working Environment

Qualifications

• Significant experience in planning policy work and project management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead on planning policy issues and coordinate team efforts.
• Prepare and manage the development of the Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Documents.

Skills

Planning Policy Knowledge

Project Management

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Education

Degree in Planning or Related Field

Chartered Membership of a Relevant Professional Body

Job description

Salary: £45,718 - £48,710
Hours: 37 (Fixed Term for 12 months)
Location: Civic Centre, Keynsham

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives. This vacancy is Fixed Term with a provisional end date of 31st of May 2026.

About the Team

Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council is seeking to recruit a fixed term Principal Planning Officer within the Planning Policy Team on a fixed term contract (twelve months). This is a key post within the Planning Policy Team and as such we are only seeking applications from the very best candidates.

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 AONBs, 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 Council is currently undertaking a considerable amount of plan making work, including preparing a new Local Plan and then working on a range of Supplementary Planning Documents. The current postholder plays a vital role in working on complex site and policy issues and in co-ordinating the team’s wider work. Therefore, the Planning Policy team is seeking to appoint a highly motivated, well organised and experienced Policy Planner as a Principal Planning Officer on a fixed term basis.

The post provides an opportunity to work within a high performing Planning Policy team and to develop your career in a supportive working environment.

About You

The successful candidate needs to be a highly capable, enthusiastic and qualified planner, with significant experience of taking a lead role in a range of planning policy work and strong planning policy knowledge and skills. Candidates need to be able to work effectively on their own initiative and within a positive team environment.

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Richard Daone, Deputy Head of Planning Policy, [e-mail] or call 01225477546.

Interview date: 19/05/2025
No Agencies Please.

About Bath & North East Somerset Council

Working at Bath & 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 & 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.

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