Senior Planning Officer - Somerset Council

Somerset Council; Heslington; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to lead important planning applications and make impactful decisions. This position requires a degree in Town Planning, RTPI membership, and strong negotiation skills. You will manage a diverse caseload and collaborate with various stakeholders, with an immediate start available. This role offers the chance to shape planning outcomes in Somerset while supporting the council's commitment to sustainable growth and community well-being.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in development management and handling complex or major applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent the council in public forums.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a diverse caseload of planning applications.
• Negotiate with developers and legal teams for high-quality outcomes.
• Draft committee reports and present at Planning Committee as required.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Organizational skills

Planning law understanding

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related field

Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

Job description

Senior Planning Officer - Somerset Council

Belmont Recruitment
Taunton, Somerset, TA1
Contract

Location: The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY

Rate: £280 per day

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract Length: 6 months

Start Date: Immediate Start Available

Shape the Future of Somerset - Join Us as a Senior Planning Officer

Are you a skilled and motivated planning professional ready to take on complex, high-profile work?

Somerset Council is looking for an experienced Senior Planning Officer to join its Development Management team at a critical time of transformation. This is your opportunity to help shape the county's future through meaningful planning decisions that will have a lasting impact on communities, infrastructure, and the local economy.

With a varied caseload including major housing schemes, economic regeneration, environmental assessments, and change-of-use applications, this role is ideal for professionals ready to step into a role where their expertise will be valued, their voice heard, and their contributions seen.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and manage a diverse caseload of planning applications, including complex minor and major developments
• Negotiate with developers, agents, and legal teams to secure high-quality outcomes aligned with local and national policy
• Provide pre-application advice on both principle and detailed development proposals
• Draft committee reports and present at Planning Committee as required
• Represent the Council as an expert witness at appeals, public inquiries, and hearings
• Guide and support Planning Officers and Technicians with complex legislative or procedural issues
• Collaborate with stakeholders, internal departments, and external agencies to ensure planning decisions are well-informed and compliant
• Contribute to the preparation and testing of policies for the new Somerset-wide Local Plan

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a confident, knowledgeable planning professional who can work independently, manage competing priorities, and influence outcomes through informed judgement and negotiation.

Essential:

• Degree in Town Planning or a related field
• Eligible for or full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
• Extensive experience in development management and handling complex or major applications
• Sound understanding of planning law, policy, enforcement, and relevant case law
• Ability to interpret legislation and lead on technical planning matters
• Experience preparing and presenting planning reports, legal agreements (e.g. S106), and appeal statements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent the council in public forums
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines

Why Join Somerset Council?

• Work on some of the most complex and meaningful developments in the region
• Be part of a council committed to sustainable growth, housing, and community wellbeing
• Influence the future of planning in Somerset, contributing directly to the emerging unified Local Plan
• Supportive team environment with access to planning specialists, legal advisors, and senior leaders
• Immediate start available - hit the ground running in a role that makes a difference from day one
• Flexible working arrangements and full access to IT systems and tools

Ready to Step Into a Key Role?

This is more than a job - it\'s an opportunity to deliver planning outcomes that matter. If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a council that values proactive, solution-focused professionals, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and start making an impact immediately.