Principal Planning Officer - Development Management

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS (Local Government Pension Scheme)

Flexible/Hybrid working

Health & wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

33 days annual leave

Job summary

Somerset Council in Taunton, Yeovil, and Bridgewater is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead on complex planning applications and major development schemes, shaping places and delivering long‑term impact across Somerset.

You will provide expert planning guidance, negotiate on major proposals, and work with councillors, communities and developers to ensure sustainable growth. The role requires RTPI‑registered planning expertise and strong leadership in a dynamic county.

Qualifications

• Significant experience working at a senior level in development management or planning.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and decision-making processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong team leadership and management experience, with the ability to monitor performance, support staff development, manage workloads effectively and foster a positive, collaborative team culture.

Responsibilities

• Manage and determine major and complex planning applications from pre-application through to decision and delivery.
• Provide expert planning advice to councillors, colleagues, developers and local communities.
• Lead negotiations on complex development proposals, including securing infrastructure and planning obligations.
• Represent the Council at committees, appeals, public meetings and inquiries.
• Support, mentor and guide junior planning officers, promoting high professional standards.

Skills

Senior planning experience

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Communication skills

Education

Degree in planning (RTPI)

Job description

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Salary:Grade 8, £58,154 per annum, which includes a recruitment allowance of £7,246 per annum, until 30/04/2028

Contract:Permanent.

Hours: 37 hours a week. Positions Available in Taunton, Yeovil and Bridgewater (full or part time)

About the Role

Help shape the future of Somerset.Join one of the UK’s largest unitary authorities and play a key role in delivering sustainable growth across a county renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant communities and ambitious vision for the future.

As a single authority serving almost 600,000 residents, Somerset Council offers exceptional opportunities for planners acrossDevelopment Management, Enforcement, Planning Policy, and Minerals & Waste. From major regeneration and infrastructure projects to housing growth, heritage conservation and rural development, you’ll work on some of the most diverse and high-profile planning challenges in the country.

As aPrincipal Planning Officer, you’ll lead on complex planning applications and major development schemes, helping to shape places, support communities and deliver lasting impact.

This is more than planning. It’s your chance to help transform Somerset for generations to come.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Manage and determine major and complex planning applications from pre‑application through to decision and delivery


• Provide expert planning advice to councillors, colleagues, developers and local communities


• Lead negotiations on complex development proposals, including securing infrastructure and planning obligations


• Represent the Council at committees, appeals, public meetings and inquiries


• Support, mentor and guide junior planning officers, promoting high professional standards

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience working at a senior level in development management or planning


• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and decision‑making processes


• Proven ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities


• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder‑management skills


• Strong team leadership and management experience, with the ability to monitor performance, support staff development, manage workloads effectively and foster a positive, collaborative team culture.A degree in planning or a related subject, with RTPI membership (or eligibility)

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchaseadditional leave.


• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's mostenhancedand secure pension schemes.


• Flexible and hybrid working arrangementstosupportwork-life balance, where service needs allow.


• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.


• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.


• 33 day’s annual leave (additionalto bank holidays).


• We are happy to consider part time and flexible working patterns – we work hard to sustain a good work-life balance and are passionate about maintaining a positive and supportive working culture.


• Flexible and hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the office).

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

If you’re passionate about planning and want to work on projects that genuinely shape places and communities, we would love to hear from you.