Senior Landscape and Placemaking Officer

Closing date: 26 May 2026

Salary: Grade 9 ranging from £41,771 - £46,142 per annum.

As a Senior Landscape and Placemaking Officer you will play a pivotal role in the Planning Directorate, contributing to the sustainable development and enhancement of Somersets natural and built environments. The service brings together Landscape, Urban Design, Trees and Conservation to provide innovative solutions to challenging issues and is at the forefront of new thinking.

Role summary

The role leads on the landscape and placemaking assessment of major and strategic development planning applications, ensuring that proposals respond positively to local character, landscape sensitivity, and the Council’s ambitions for high‑quality, sustainable place‑making.

The postholder plays a key role in shaping growth across the county by providing expert landscape, design and placemaking advice, evaluating whether proposed designs are suitable for their location, deliver high‑quality environments, and comply with national and local planning policy.

This role involves assessing planning applications for landscape, visual and design impacts, shaping landscape and placemaking strategies and policies for Somerset, and working closely with developers, communities and internal teams to deliver attractive, greener places.

You’ll also support the Placemaking Team Manager on various major strategic projects such as Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, and Gravity Enterprise Zone to ensure that where possible they protect and enhance Somerset’s public spaces and landscapes.

What you’ll do - key responsibilities

• Provide expert landscape, visual impact and placemaking advice on planning applications, focusing predominantly on strategic and major infrastructure schemes
• Evaluate the suitability of proposed designs in relation to landscape character, visual impact, settlement form, topography, heritage setting, green infrastructure, and local distinctiveness.
• Review and critique Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIAs), Design and Access Statements, masterplans, design codes, and environmental statements.
• Shape landscape strategies, design codes, masterplans and planning policies to support high‑quality development.
• Champion high‑quality design, sustainable placemaking, and landscape‑led development across the Council.
• Work collaboratively with developers, communities and internal teams to embed placemaking in the planning process.
• Undertake site visits and prepare reports for planning committees, inquiries and appeals, acting as expert witness where required.
• Monitor landscape conditions and support delivery of strategic landscape and placemaking projects.

What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills

Essential:

• Degree in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Planning, urban design or a related field. 
• Membership (or eligible to join) of a relevant professional body, such as the Landscape Institute.
• In-depth knowledge of landscape design and planning and urban design principles 
• Understanding of local and national planning policies and guidelines
• Familiarity with landscape and visual impact assessment methodologies
• Knowledge of sustainable landscape management practices
• In-depth knowledge of hard and soft landscape detailing and use of materials
• Awareness of biodiversity and ecological principles in landscape design
• Understanding of public engagement and consultation processes
• Proven experience in landscape architecture, landscape planning, urban design or a related field
• Experience assessing and advising on landscape and visual impacts of development proposals
• Experience developing and implementing landscape strategies and policies
• Experience working with a range of stakeholders, including developers and community groups
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders
• Proficiency in using landscape design and assessment software
• Membership of a professional body such as the Landscape Institute

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in a related discipline.
• Certification in landscape and visual impact assessment.
• Training in sustainable landscape management practices.
• Qualification in public engagement and consultation.
• Experience preparing and presenting reports to planning committees 
• Experience delivering training and guidance on landscape and placemaking matters
• Strong project management skills
• Chartered membership of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) or working towards it

Additional Information  

• Permanent, 37 Hours a week.
• Flexible and Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the Office).

• 30 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays)
• Optional membership of the defined benefit Local Government Pension Scheme

• 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
• This role will require travel around Somerset, in areas that are not covered by public transport.
• For an Informal Chat about the role, you can contact Fiona Webb at fiona.webb@somerset.gov.uk

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