Senior Planning Policy Officer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Senior Planning Policy Officer to shape the county’s growth. You will contribute to the Local Plan, respond to planning inquiries, and provide expert policy advice to colleagues and communities.

The role emphasizes placemaking, collaboration, and delivering sustainable growth across Somerset. You'll work within a diverse team, handle consultations, and support evidence preparation for appeals.

Qualifications

• Experience developing planning policies and evidence-based reports.
• Ability to present complex information to senior leaders and public examinations.
• Strong understanding of planning legislation and local frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Help shape Somerset’s future by contributing to the Local Plan and placemaking projects.
• Develop planning policies through evidence gathering, policy writing and studies.
• Prepare reports and briefings for senior leaders, councillors and examinations.
• Provide expert planning policy advice to residents, partners and communities.
• Engage with communities and consultees during consultation and plan-making.
• Attend meetings and visits across Somerset and respond to enquiries.

Skills

Planning policy knowledge

Policy analysis

Policy advice

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Work prioritisation

IT systems

Driving licence

Education

Planning or built environment degree

Tools

GIS / digital mapping

Job description

Salary: Grade 10, Ranging from £38,510- £43,149 per annum.

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37 Hours a week.

Closing date: 30 November 2026

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 across Development 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.

You will play a key role in shaping Somerset’s future by helping to develop and deliver the Somerset Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plans and other planning policy guidance. You'll provide planning policy advice to colleagues, partners and communities, respond to enquiries, and support the preparation of evidence for planning appeals and inquiries. Working as part of a collaborative team, you'll help deliver our placemaking ambitions and wider Council priorities.

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

How You'll Make a Difference

• Play a key role in shaping Somerset’s future through the new Local Plan and wider placemaking projects.
• Help 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 friendly, professional planning advice to residents, partners and stakeholders.
• Work with local communities, neighbourhood plan groups and consultees to support consultation and plan-making.
• Get involved in 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.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-profile developments, make a visible impact on local communities and help shape Somerset for generations to come.

What You'll Bring

• Strong knowledge of planning policy, legislation and local planning frameworks.
• Planning policy experience, including evidence analysis and report writing.
• Confident providing expert advice and resolving complex issues.
• Excellent project management, communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to prioritise workloads and deliver to demanding deadlines.
• Proficient in IT systems, including digital mapping.
• A relevant planning or built environment degree.
• A customer-focused approach and commitment to high-quality service.
• Full driving licence and flexibility to attend occasional evening meetings.

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 purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-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.

Find Out More About Working At Somerset Council

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• 30 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• We are happy to consider 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) based at County Hall, Taunton.

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.

If you're driven to help shape vibrant, sustainable communities and want to leave a lasting legacy for Somerset, we'd welcome a conversation. For an informal chat about the role, please contact Kate Murdoch, Service Manager at [e-mail]

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.

You can find a copy of the job description here: RP241 Senior Planning Policy Officer.pdf

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