Principal Planning 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 looking for a dedicated Principal Planning Officer to guide planning applications through the development process. This role requires substantial experience in complex planning issues and offers flexible working arrangements. The ideal candidate will possess an honours degree in Town and Country planning or equivalent experience, along with a strong understanding of planning legislation and the ability to present evidence clearly. Competitive salary and opportunities for professional development are provided.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension

Professional development opportunities

Purchase additional annual leave

Wellbeing support

Salary sacrifice schemes

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Development Management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation and policy.
• Ability to prepare evidence for Public Inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Process major planning applicants and make recommendations.
• Prepare and present reports and evidence for public inquiries.
• Advise stakeholders on legislative compliance.

Skills

Legislation knowledge

Presentation skills

Organizational skills

Education

Honours degree in Town and Country planning

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 seeking a dedicated and experienced Principal Planning Officer to join our Strategic Development Team. The Strategic Development Team are responsible for guiding proposals through the development process including examining, processing and evaluating major planning and related applications including pre‑and post‑application advice, site inspections, negotiations, preparation and presentation of reports to a range of audiences.

In this role, you will be required to undertake development management activities for new development including planning applications, advice and appeals for major developments and related, compliance and enforcement. Roles at this level deliver a specific service, are part of a collaborative team responsible for strategic development activities within the Planning Service.

Key Responsibilities

• Process major planning applicants and make recommendations.
• Prepare reports, including proofs of evidence in relation to a range of appeals, and present evidence at hearings, public inquiries and court proceedings.
• Give information and advice to businesses, the public and other stakeholders about legislative requirements and standards for compliance with planning legislation.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

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:

• 2‑3 days in the office per month.
• Works both from home and the office, 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 using the Planning system to deliver sustainable development that meets the needs of local communities, and who possesses the following skills and experience.

Essential Criteria

• Significant evidence of working with the most complex and challenging areas of Development Management.
• Academic qualifications in Town and Country planning or similar at Honours degree level or above, or in exceptional circumstances equivalent experience to give an in‑depth level of knowledge necessary to undertake the most complex cases.
• A comprehensive knowledge of legislation, policy, regulations and professional codes of practice for Development Management.
• Ability to prepare and present information/evidence clearly and confidently at Public Inquiries and planning committee meetings.
• Ability to manage and organise own work and assist that of colleagues to meet agreed deadlines.

Desirable Criteria

• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or approved professional qualification relevant to the area of work.

See the job description for a full list of essential criteria.

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.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Max Smith (Strategic Development Service Manager) at [e-mail].

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.