Senior Planning Policy Lead – Local Plan & Placemaking

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave & holidays

LGPS pension scheme

Flexible & hybrid working

Health & wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Hybrid working 1–2 days in Office

Job summary

Somerset Council in Taunton is seeking a planning professional to help shape Somerset’s future by delivering the Local Plan and related planning policies. You will provide expert policy guidance and respond to enquiries, working with communities and partners to support consultation and evidence preparation.

The role offers a permanent contract with 37 hours per week, in a hybrid working pattern. A strong focus on policy analysis, stakeholder engagement and delivering high-quality planning

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of planning policy, legislation and local planning frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Shape Somerset's future by developing and delivering the Local Plan and wider placemaking projects.
• Develop planning policies by researching evidence, writing policy and supporting specialist studies.
• Prepare reports and briefings, and present information to senior leaders, councillors and at public examinations.
• Provide planning policy advice to colleagues, partners and communities.
• Respond to enquiries and support the preparation of evidence for planning appeals and inquiries.
• Collaborate with communities, neighbourhood plan groups and consultees to support consultation and plan-making.
• Attend consultation events, meetings and site visits across Somerset.
• Keep up to date with planning legislation, emerging trends and best practice.
• Support a planning service that helps create thriving places, sustainable growth and stronger communities.

Skills

Planning policy knowledge

Policy analysis

Communication skills

Project management

Negotiation skills

Prioritising workload

Customer-focused service

Driving licence

Job description

Somerset Council in Taunton is seeking a planning professional to help shape Somerset’s future by delivering the Local Plan and related planning policies. You will provide expert policy guidance and respond to enquiries, working with communities and partners to support consultation and evidence preparation.

The role offers a permanent contract with 37 hours per week, in a hybrid working pattern. A strong focus on policy analysis, stakeholder engagement and delivering high-quality planning