Urban Design Officer

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 Urban Designer to join our Heritage and Design Team. The Heritage and Design Team are responsible providing specialist advice for urban design, archaeology, built conservation, and heritage records as well as delivering significant heritage projects including the restoration of Birnbeck Pier.

The post holder will sit within the Heritage & Design Team in the Healthy & Sustainable Communities Directorate and will report to the Principal Urban Design Officer. They will also work closely with the other members of the Heritage & Design Team and other officers from within North Somerset Council (NSC).

In this role, you will be required to provide support to the Development Management process, including advising planning case officers and negotiating with applicants; to advise on major council infrastructure and development projects; and to take an active role in the delivery of the Placemaking strategies.

You will be educated to degree level and have previous relevant urban design experience. This post is being offered on a career grade to encourage the widest range of applicants, as attitude and potential is at least as important as years of experience. We anticipate being able to appoint at around Level 8 (£39,152) but if appointment/s are made at lower grades support will be provided for your progression.

Key Responsibilities:

• To examine, process and evaluate urban design aspects of planning and related applications, including site inspections, negotiations, discharge of conditions and preparation of reports to the committee, or reports under the officer delegation arrangements.
• Provide specialist urban design advice on planning applications—including major/pre-application stages, appeals, and post-application discussions—to secure quality outcomes through negotiation and thorough assessment
• Advise on and contribute to the preparation of design policies, codes, supplementary planning documents, design briefs, and character statements for inclusion in Local Plan framework
• Lead or support on council strategic projects (e.g. neighbourhood masterplans, public realm schemes, estate regeneration), working closely with multidisciplinary teams
• Prepare clear, high-quality written reports, briefing notes for internal/external meetings and presentations, and public-facing documents
• Represent the Council at professional and public forums—including design review panels, inquiries, and consultations—to advocate design excellence

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

This position is currently based at the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare

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.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

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

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree (or postgraduate) in Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning, or related discipline
• Demonstrable experience in urban design or built-environment roles—preferably within a local authority or public sector setting
• Proven track record in advising on major or complex developments, and producing design briefs, guidance, or codes
• Strong skills in report writing, graphic communication, presentations, and stakeholder engagement

Technical Skills

• Competence in CAD/GIS tools and urban design visualisation (e.g. city masterplans, character statements)
• Good understanding of planning policy, conservation principles, sustainable design, and heritage context

Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent communication and negotiation ability—able to liaise with developers, members, public, and colleagues alike
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to propose practical, policy-informed design solutions
• Organised, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple tasks to deadlines

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 Kieran Oliver, Principal Urban Design Officer at kieran.oliver@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: TBC

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.