Senior Planning Officer - Somerset Council

Somerset Council; Taunton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Taunton is seeking an experienced Senior Planning Officer to manage a diverse caseload of planning applications, negotiate outcomes, and influence community development. The ideal candidate has a degree in Town Planning, extensive experience in development management, and excellent communication skills. Join a supportive team environment focused on sustainable growth and immediate impact.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Access to planning specialists

Immediate start available

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in development management and complex applications.
• Sound understanding of planning law and policy.
• Ability to prepare and present planning reports and legal agreements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning applications including major developments.
• Negotiate with developers for high-quality outcomes.
• Draft committee reports and present at Planning Committee.

Skills

Independence in decision-making

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related field

Eligible for or full membership of RTPI

Job description

Senior Planning Officer - Somerset Council

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

Overview

Shape the Future of Somerset - Join Us as a Senior Planning Officer. Somerset Council is looking for an experienced planning professional 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. The role involves a varied caseload including major housing schemes, economic regeneration, environmental assessments, and change-of-use applications.

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 Apply?

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.