Senior Planning Officer

Salary for this role is Grade 9 ranging from £44,060 - £48,431 per annum, with a time limited recruitment allowance of £2,289 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.

Role Purpose

Manage and determine complex planning applications, including major developments, helping to shape sustainable growth across Somerset. The role also supports colleagues and represents the Council at appeals.

Key Responsibilities

· Manage a complex caseload of planning applications.

· Negotiate with applicants and stakeholders to achieve compliant development.

· Prepare reports and present cases to Planning Committee.

· Represent the Council at appeals and inquiries.

· Provide professional guidance to planning officers.

What We’re Looking For – Essential Skills/Experience

Significant experience in development management, strong planning knowledge, excellent judgement and the ability to work under pressure.

Any Additional Information

• Salary £41,771 to £46,142 per annum, with a time limited recruitment allowance of £2,289 per annum
• Permanent Position, 37 Hours a week.
• Flexible and Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the Office)
• 30 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
• Extensive CPD and peer support.
• Opportunity to work on a wide range of interesting projects, offering unique opportunities to develop your experience and skills.
• 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 £2,289 per annum is linked to the Senior Planning Officer bringing the salary to £44,060 - £48,431 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.

If the salary changes due to the NJC Pay Award, the supplement allowance will be adjusted accordingly to maintain the intended pay differential.  

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Nikki Honan, Team Leader at nikki.honan@somerset.gov.uk or Zac Elwood, Area Planning Manager at zac.ellwood@somerset.gov.uk

If you have everything you need, just hit the apply button. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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