Senior Planning Officer - Development Management

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is recruiting a Senior Planning Officer - Development Management to help shape sustainable growth across Somerset. Based in Taunton with options in Yeovil, Bridgwater and Shepton Mallet, 37 hours per week on a permanent contract.

You will manage complex planning applications, negotiate with applicants, prepare reports for Planning Committee and represent the Council at appeals. A degree in planning or related subject and RTPI membership or eligibility are required.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in development management with solid planning policy knowledge.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work under pressure.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload of planning applications.
• 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.

Skills

Significant experience in development

Policy knowledge

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Strong judgement

Ability to manage priorities

Education

Degree in planning or related subject

Job description

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Senior Planning Officer - Development Management

Salary:Grade 9 ranging from £45,438 - £49,954 per annum, which includes a recruitment allowance of £2289 per annum, until 30/04/2028.

Contract:Permanent.

Hours: 37 hours a week: Positions Available in Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater and Shepton Mallet (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 a Senior Planning Officer, you will manage and determine complex planning applications, including major developments, helping to shape sustainable growth across Somerset. The role also supports colleagues and represents the Council at appeals.

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

How You'll Make a Difference

• Manage a complex caseload of planning applications.
• 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.

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience in development management with a strong understanding of planning policy and practice.
• Sound judgement and the confidence to make well-informed decisions on complex cases.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work under pressure.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a practical and solution-focused approach.
• Resilience, professionalism and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• 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.
• 30 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.