Senior Planning Officer - Development Management

The Methodist Church in Britain; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working

Part-time and flexible patterns

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council's Development Management team is recruiting a permanent Senior Planning Officer to determine complex planning applications, including major developments. You will negotiate with applicants and stakeholders, prepare reports, and present cases to the Planning Committee, while supporting colleagues.

The role offers flexible patterns, with hybrid working of 1-2 days a week in the office and opportunities for part-time or flexible hours, and requires Right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Degree in planning or a related subject is required.
• RTPI membership or eligible for RTPI membership is required.
• Experience in planning policy and practice is essential.
• Right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage and determine a complex caseload of planning applications, including major developments.
• Negotiate with applicants and stakeholders to achieve compliant development.
• Prepare reports and present cases to Planning Committee.
• Represent the Council at appeals and inquiries.
• Provide professional guidance to planning officers and support colleagues.

Skills

Planning policy

Analytical skills

Decision making

Prioritization

Resilience

Education

Degree in planning or related subject

RTPI membership or eligibility

Job description

The Development Management team at Somerset Council is recruiting a permanent Senior Planning Officer to determine complex planning applications, including major developments. The post involves negotiating with applicants and stakeholders, presenting cases to Planning Committee and representing the council at appeals and inquiries, while supporting other planning officers. Hours and patterns vary by office, with full-time, part-time and flexible options and hybrid working of one to two days in the office each week. No visa sponsorship is offered, so applicants must already have UK right to work.

What the job involves

• Manage and determine a complex caseload of planning applications, including major developments
• Negotiate with applicants and stakeholders to achieve compliant development
• Prepare reports and present cases to Planning Committee
• Represent the Council at appeals and inquiries
• Provide professional guidance to planning officers and support colleagues

What's required

Qualifications

• Degree in planning or a related subject
• RTPI membership or eligibility

Experience

• Significant experience in development management

Skills & knowledge

• Strong understanding of planning policy and practice
• Sound judgement and confidence to make well-informed decisions on complex cases
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work under pressure
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a practical, solution-focused approach
• Resilience, professionalism and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Checks & eligibility

• Right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship

What's offered

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working, with 1-2 days per week in the office
• Part-time and flexible working patterns considered
• Health and wellbeing support, including confidential employee assistance
• Paid volunteering opportunities