Senior Planning Officer

North Somerset Council; Weston-super-Mare; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Weston-super-Mare is looking for a Senior Planning Officer to join its Applications and Consents Team. This role involves processing planning applications and working within a hybrid environment. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Town and Country Planning and significant planning experience. The position requires essential travel and offers opportunities for career development.

Qualifications

• Valid driving licence and own transport, or alternative suitable method of travel.

Responsibilities

• Process and evaluate planning and related applications, including site inspections.
• Prepare reports and written statements for appeals and present evidence.
• Manage relationships with applicants, agents, councils, and the public.

Skills

Passionate about development management

Significant experience dealing with a wide range of planning issues

Broad knowledge of planning policy, legislation, processes and practices

Experience handling planning appeals

Customer service experience

Education

Undergraduate Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent

Master’s Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Planning Officer to join the Applications and Consents Team on a full or part-time basis.

We are a well-staffed and high performing team that are responsible for facilitating and regulating land use changes in accordance with local and national policies and guidance. While this is a high-level description of what we do, we assess and decide planning applications to achieve the best planning outcomes. We must balance the competing interests of applicants and developers, neighbours, relevant stakeholders, and the public at large, as well as the economy and the environment.

North Somerset is a constrained area in planning terms with Green Belt, National Landscapes, 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.

Hybrid working – 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 attend the office as a team once a fortnight.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Tasks relating to the processing and evaluation of planning and related applications to include site inspections, negotiation and liaising with consultees.
• Preparation of reports under the officer delegation arrangements or to the committee.
• To prepare written statements in relation to a range of appeals and to present evidence, where appropriate, at hearings and committees.
• Manage effective relationships with applicants, agents, town and parish council’s, consultees, council employees and the public.
• See the attached career grade structure for further information.

About You

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

Essential Criteria

• Undergraduate Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
• Significant experience dealing with a wide range of planning issues.
• A broad knowledge of planning policy, legislation, processes and practices.
• Experience handling planning appeals.
• Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel.

Desirable Criteria

• Master’s Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
• Eligibility for membership of RTPI.
• Customer service experience.

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 David Ditchett, Applications and Consents 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.

Interview Date: Tuesday 28 October 2025.