Salary
Grade 9 ranging from £44,060 - £48,431 per annum, with a time limited recruitment allowance of £2,289 per annum until 28/02/2027.
Shape the future of Somerset
Join Somerset Council – one of the largest unitary authorities in the country – and work on some of the most varied and high‑profile planning projects in the UK. From major regeneration and nationally significant infrastructure to town centres, rural development and housing growth, you’ll help shape places that matter.
Following local government reorganisation, we’re a single, ambitious council serving nearly 600,000 residents. Our scale and stability offer excellent career development across Development Management, Enforcement, Planning Policy, and Minerals & Waste – including work linked to Hinkley Point C and the Somerset-wide Local Plan.
You’ll join a collaborative, forward‑thinking planning service with embedded flexibility, strong professional support and real opportunities to grow.
Role Summary
You will manage and determine complex planning applications, including major developments, helping to shape sustainable growth across Somerset. This role also supports colleagues and represents the Council at appeals.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a complex caseload of planning applications.
- Negotiate with applicants and stakeholders to achieve compliant development.
- Prepare reports and present cases to Planning Committee.
- Represent the Council at appeals and inquiries.
- Provide professional guidance to planning officers.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Ability to provide detailed advice across a wide range of planning issues within a development management environment.
- Strong knowledge of planning, enforcement, planning policy, case law and relevant legislation.
- Ability to interpret planning legislation and case law in relation to pre‑application enquiries, applications, appeals and enforcement matters.
- Experience of working at senior level in Development Management.
- Proven ability to manage a complex caseload, balance competing priorities and meet performance targets.
- Experience of working within a team and supporting team development and continuous professional development.
- Degree in Town Planning or a related subject (or equivalent experience).
- Membership of, or eligibility to join, a relevant professional planning body.
- Strong negotiation skills with the ability to resolve complex issues positively.
- Ability to work under pressure, meet strict deadlines and prioritise fluctuating workloads.
- Clear, confident and proactive communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Ability to use influence, persuasion and sound judgement in complex decision‑making.
- Strong customer focus and ability to build and maintain effective working relationships, including with elected Members.
- Good IT skills, including data input, report writing and presentations.
- Methodical, well‑organised approach with a strong work ethic.
- Flexible, adaptable and able to respond positively to change.
- Willingness to share knowledge, support colleagues and work effectively as part of a team.
Desirable
- Experience of representing the local planning authority at appeal, including hearings and public inquiries.
Additional Information
- Permanent Position, 37 Hours a week.
- Flexible and Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the Office).
- 30 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
- Extensive CPD and peer support.
- Opportunity to work on a wide range of interesting projects, offering unique opportunities to develop your experience and skills.
- Regretfully, 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.
Contact for an informal chat about the role:
- Nikki Honan, Team Leader – nikkihonan@somerset.gov.uk
- Zac Elwood, Area Planning Manager – zac.ellwood@somerset.gov.uk
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