Senior or Principal Planning Officer

The Role

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Planning Officer to join the Applications and Consents (Minors) Team on a full-time basis.

We are a well-staffed and high performing team that are responsible for facilitating and regulating land use changes in accordance with local and national policies and guidance. While this is a high-level description of what we do, we assess and decide planning applications to achieve the best planning outcomes. We must balance the competing interests of applicants and developers, neighbours, relevant stakeholders, and the public at large, as well as the economy and the environment.

North Somerset is a constrained area in planning terms with Green Belt, National Landscapes, extensive areas vulnerable to flooding and Special Areas of Conservation. Our challenges are wide ranging and as a result there will be plenty of opportunity to develop your career.

Salary:

Senior Planning Officer: Level 7: £35,412 - £38,220 per annum

Principal Planning Officer: Level 8: £39,152 - £41,771 per annum to Level 9: £42,839 - £48,226 per annum

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Tasks relating to the processing and evaluation of planning and related applications to include site inspections, negotiation, and liaising with consultees.
• Preparation of reports under officer delegation arrangements or to the Planning and Regulatory Committee.
• To prepare written statements in relation to a range of appeals and to present evidence, where appropriate, at hearings and committees.
• Manage effective relationships with applicants, agents, town and parish council’s, consultees, council employees, and the public.
• 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:

• Undergraduate Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
• A minimum of 2 years (senior) and 3 years (principal) experience dealing with a wide range of planning issues.
• A broad knowledge of planning policy, legislation, processes and practices.
• Experience of handling planning appeals.
• Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel.

Desirable Criteria:

• Master’s Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
• Eligibility for membership of RTPI.
• Customer service experience.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment. 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.

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 David Ditchett, Applications and Consents Service Manager at David.Ditchett@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: Tuesday 09 June 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.

July 2025 V1.14