Senior Planning Officer

South Gloucestershire Council; Yate; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a leading council as a Senior Planning Officer, playing a crucial role in shaping the Local Plan and providing expert planning policy advice. This part-time position offers a hybrid work environment, balancing office tasks in Yate with remote work. You will contribute to significant planning projects, ensuring the community's needs are met while protecting the environment.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Career development opportunities

Generous leave

Wellbeing support

Staff discounts

Qualifications

• Significant experience in planning practice, especially in housing policy.
• Experience in preparing for Local Plan examinations.
• Eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Responsibilities

• Prepare examination evidence matter statements for the Local Plan.
• Lead project management of external consultants.
• Provide expert witness roles at Local Plan examinations.

Skills

Planning practice

Housing policy

Site allocations

Strategic sites

Project management

Education

Degree in town planning or related subject

Job description

Join to apply for the Senior Planning Officer role at South Gloucestershire Council

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How You'll Make a Difference

The Strategic Planning Policy and Specialist Advice Team is responsible for preparing the new Local Plan, plan monitoring, and providing planning policy advice. As a Senior Planning Officer, you will support the team and help deliver the council’s statutory planning policy framework functions. You will be involved as the Local Plan examination stage approaches, assisting in preparation and participation.

Balancing the challenges of protecting South Gloucestershire’s built and natural environment with providing homes, jobs, and infrastructure, we are progressing with our new Local Plan, expected to be submitted for examination in September.

What You Will Be Doing

• Preparing examination evidence matter statements presenting the council’s position on policies and allocations in the Submission Local Plan.
• Preparing main modifications and statements of common ground, liaising with adjoining authorities and government agencies.
• Reviewing representations and examination evidence submitted by participants, formulating officer responses.
• Providing expert witness roles at the Local Plan examination in public hearings.
• Leading the commissioning and project management of external consultants and producing technical evidence and supporting studies.
• Presenting at internal senior officer and political briefings, formal council meetings, and external meetings related to the work area.

What We Need From You

• Degree level education or equivalent in a related subject, e.g., town planning.
• Significant relevant experience in planning practice, particularly related to housing policy/supply, site allocations, and strategic/legacy sites.
• Experience in preparing for and giving evidence at Local Plan and/or Development Plan Document examinations.
• Eligibility or ability to work towards membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
• Understanding of planning policy and legislation relevant to local plan making.

What You Need To Know

• This is a part-time role, working 18.5 hours per week, with salary pro-rata to hours worked.
• Internal secondment opportunity; line manager permission required before applying.
• Travel throughout the authority and surrounding areas is expected; a full, valid driving license or alternative travel means is required.
• Business insurance must be added to your insurance policy; mileage expenses can be claimed back.
• The role is hybrid, combining office work in Yate and remote work.

Additional Information

• Interviews are anticipated to be during the week commencing 23rd June 2025.
• We offer flexible work arrangements, career development opportunities, generous leave, wellbeing support, and staff discounts.
• We value diversity and promote merit-based promotion and development.

Our Impact

• Building and shaping proud communities.
• Planning infrastructure, roads, railways, schools, green spaces, and housing.
• Providing essential and community-focused services.

Join us and make a difference! For the full job description, click here.