Principal Planning Officer

Salary is £56,528 per annum, which includes a time limited recruitment allowance of £7,246 per annum.  

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.

What we offer:

• High‑profile, complex and varied planning enforcement work
• Clear career development and progression
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Supportive management and a strong learning culture
• Generous leave, pension and wellbeing benefits

If you want planning work that genuinely shapes communities and places, Somerset has something for you.

Role Purpose

As a Principal Planning Officer – Development Manager, you’ll lead on a varied and complex portfolio of planning applications, helping to secure high‑quality development across Somerset. You’ll play a key role in shaping major schemes, balancing planning policy, sustainability, and delivery while working closely with colleagues, developers and communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and determine major and complex planning applications from pre‑application through to decision and delivery
• Provide expert planning advice to councillors, colleagues, developers and local communities
• Lead negotiations on complex development proposals, including securing infrastructure and planning obligations
• Represent the Council at committees, appeals, public meetings and inquiries
• Support, mentor and guide junior planning officers, promoting high professional standards

What We’re Looking For – Essential Skills/Experience

• Significant experience working at a senior level in development management or planning
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and decision‑making processes
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder‑management skills
• A degree in planning or a related subject, with RTPI membership (or eligibility)

Any Additional Information

• Salary is £56,528 per annum, which includes a time limited recruitment allowance of £7,246 per annum.  
• Permanent position, 37 hours a week.
• Flexible and Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the Office)
• 30 Days annual leave, not including Bank Holidays.
• Extensive CPD and peer support.
• 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. 

A supplement allowance of £7,246 per annum is linked to the Principal Planning Officer bringing the salary to £56,528 per annum. This allowance is subject to National Insurance, Tax and Pension deductions and will be paid in accordance with standard payroll procedures. 

The allowance is time-limited and will expire on 28/02/2027. All supplement allowances are reviewed 18 months from the original approval date and may be adjusted or withdrawn based on organisational need, role changes, or market conditions. 

Please note:

• If the role is re-evaluated or the salary changes as a result of the Pay and Grading Review, the allowance may be reduced or cease entirely.

For an informal chat about the role, you can Nikki Honan via email Nikki.Honan@Somerset.gov.uk or Zac Ellwood via email at zac.ellwood@somerset.gov.uk

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.