Senior Planning Officer: Major Developments & Growth (Hybrid)

South Gloucestershire Council; Yate; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

South Gloucestershire Council in Yate is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to lead a varied caseload of major and complex planning applications, shaping the district’s growth with sustainable development.

You will present proposals to planning committees, negotiate Section 106 agreements, and mentor junior colleagues while contributing to policy-based decisions and public inquiries. The role is hybrid, combining office work in Yate with home-based activity.

Qualifications

• Degree in town and country planning and RTPI membership or commitment.
• Experience of determining complex and potentially controversial planning applications.
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation and the wider policy framework.
• Strong negotiating skills with experience securing amendments via Section 106.
• Excellent communication and ability to engage with customers in formal/public environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of planning applications and pre-application enquiries, focusing on major developments and complex minor applications.
• Present planning applications and recommendations to the development control committee, the spatial planning committee and the sites inspection sub-committee.
• Negotiate Section 106 agreements and prepare responses to planning appeals, including written statements and submissions for public inquiries.
• Mentor junior colleagues by sharing knowledge, experience and technical expertise.
• Present matters at senior officer briefings, member briefings and formal council meetings, providing professional advice on complex planning issues.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Policy interpretation

RTPI membership or commitment

Driving licence

Education

Degree in town and country planning

Job description

South Gloucestershire Council in Yate is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to lead a varied caseload of major and complex planning applications, shaping the district’s growth with sustainable development.

You will present proposals to planning committees, negotiate Section 106 agreements, and mentor junior colleagues while contributing to policy-based decisions and public inquiries. The role is hybrid, combining office work in Yate with home-based activity.