Applications Manager

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Applications Manager to join our Strategic Development Team. The Strategic Development Team are responsible for guiding proposals through the development process including examining, processing and evaluating major planning and related applications including pre-and post-application advice, site inspections, negotiations, preparation and presentation of reports to a range of audiences.

In this role, you will assist the Strategic Development Service Manager in the efficient management of the team, including deputising in their absence. This post involves direct supervisory responsibility to be determined by the Service Manager.

North Somerset is a constrained area in planning terms with Green Belt, AONB, extensive areas vulnerable to flooding and other sensitive environments. Yet there are substantial development pressures, including a target for 23,805 new homes.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

While this position is based in the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, we operate a hybrid working environment. Most of the team predominantly work from home. However, we attend the office as a team regularly.

Key Responsibilities:

• To use powers delegated to officers by the Council to make formal decisions on planning applications and pre-application discussions.
• To evaluate and process major strategic planning applications carrying out site inspections, negotiations and preparation of reports as required.
• To present cases to the Planning and Regulatory Committee
• To ensure the Council’s decisions are defended at planning appeals.
• To deputise for the Strategic Development Service Manager.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about planning and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
• Extensive experience working on major planning applications
• A comprehensive knowledge of legislation, policy, regulations and professional codes of practice for Development Management
• Management or supervisory experience.
• Ability to prepare & present information/evidence clearly and confidently at Public Inquiries and planning committee meetings.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of giving evidence at public inquiries
• Eligibility for membership of RTPI.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Max Smith, Strategic Development Manager, at max.smith@n-somerset.gov.uk

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: [Enter Interview Date, if known].

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.