Planning Officer/Senior Planning Officer (Enforcement)

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 an Enforcement Officer or Senior Enforcement Officer (Grade 6 or Grade 7 – depending on skills and experience) to join our Delivery and Enforcement Team.

We are a well-staffed and high performing team that are responsible for investigating, monitoring and where appropriate taking action against alleged breaches of planning controls. Resolving issues through discussion and negotiation is also a key part of the role. You will spend much of your time out and about visiting sites but will also work from home or the office to assess and collate evidence

North Somerset is a constrained area in planning terms with Green Belt, National Landscapes, extensive areas vulnerable to flooding and other sensitive environments. Our challenges are wide ranging and as a result the role provides a great opportunity to develop your experience and skills.

The position requires either experience of enforcement of legislation or working knowledge of Town and Country planning law preferably with some experience relevant to the role. Good communication skills and attention to detail are important.

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 encourage staff to come into the office as much as possible.

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Tasks relating to the investigation of alleged breaches of planning control to include site inspections, negotiating, and monitoring in respect of unauthorised development and other breaches of planning control.
• Tasks relating to proactive compliance and monitoring of planning permissions.
• Assist in the preparation of cases for enforcement or other legal action within appropriate timescales including statements in relation to appeal and court proceedings.
• Manage effective relationships with applicants, agents, town and parish councils, council employees and the public.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers both verbally and in writing through the appropriate use of case or site notes and other records.
• See the attached career grade structure for further information.

About You

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

Essential Criteria:

• Vocational qualification or evidence of working to academic level 3 or 4 relevant to planning practice
• Practical experience of working within a planning / enforcement or related environment.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of planning policy, legislation, processes and practices.
• Valid driving license and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel.

Desirable Criteria:

• Undergraduate Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent
• Eligibility for membership of RTPI
• Customer service experience

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 Chris Nolan, Delivery and Enforcement Service Manager at chris.nolan@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: Thursday 19 February 2026.

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.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.