Senior Planning Officer

4Recruitment Services; Bridgwater; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency seeks a Senior Planning Officer for a full-time position in Somerset. You will manage diverse planning applications and support high-profile development schemes. Ideal candidates have a degree in Town Planning, RTPI membership, and experience in major applications. This role offers hybrid working opportunities while influencing local growth strategy.

Qualifications

• Proactive and motivated planning professional with ability to manage a challenging caseload.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, enforcement, and case law.
• Experience of handling major planning applications and appeals.

Responsibilities

• Process and determine a wide range of planning applications.
• Undertake negotiations with developers and the public.
• Draft reports for Planning Committee and delegated decisions.

Skills

Strong technical expertise

Excellent negotiation skills

Strong communication skills

Report-writing skills

Education

Degree in Town Planning or a related subject

Eligibility for, or membership of, the RTPI

Job description

Overview

Senior Planning Officer – Location: Somerset (Hybrid working available). Contract: Full-time, 6 month initial.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Planning Officer to join our client's Planning Service. You will take responsibility for a varied and complex caseload of planning applications, including major development schemes such as housing, economic growth, inward investment, and change of use proposals. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence growth and place-shaping in Somerset, working on high-profile projects while supporting the delivery of the Council's long-term local plan.

Responsibilities

• Process and determine a wide range of planning applications, including major and complex developments.
• Undertake negotiations with developers, agents, consultees, and the public to secure high-quality outcomes.
• Draft reports for Planning Committee and delegated decisions, ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and case law.
• Provide professional guidance and support to planning officers, ensuring robust decision-making across the team.
• Represent the Council at appeals, hearings, public inquiries, and act as an expert witness where required.
• Respond to enquiries from members, developers, and the public, ensuring efficient and professional service delivery.
• Support compliance and enforcement work, investigating breaches of planning control and advising on resolution.
• Contribute to wider planning policy development by testing and applying policies to live cases.

About You

• You will be a proactive and motivated planning professional with strong technical expertise and the ability to manage a challenging caseload.
• Essential requirements:
• Degree in Town Planning or a related subject.
• Eligibility for, or membership of, the RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute).
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, enforcement, and case law.
• Experience of handling major planning applications and appeals.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage competing workloads and deliver to statutory deadlines.
• Desirable:
• Experience of representing a local authority at hearings or public inquiries.
• Experience supporting junior colleagues and contributing to CPD/team development.

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. 4Recruitment Services is an equal opportunities employer.

To discuss this vacancy in further detail or any other vacancies, please contact our Team on (phone number removed) or email (url removed).