Planning Officer - Development Management

Salary: Grade 10, Ranging from £38,510 - £43,149 per annum.

Contract: Permanent.

Hours:  37 hours a week (Yeovil); and 18 hours per week (Taunton).

Closing date: 30 November 2026

About the Role 

Help shape the future of Somerset. Join one of the UK’s largest unitary authorities and play a key role in delivering sustainable growth across a county renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant communities and ambitious vision for the future.

As a single authority serving almost 600,000 residents, Somerset Council offers exceptional opportunities for planners across Development Management, Enforcement, Planning Policy, and Minerals & Waste. From major regeneration and infrastructure projects to housing growth, heritage conservation and rural development, you’ll work on some of the most diverse and high-profile planning challenges in the country.

As a Planning Officer, you’ll manage a varied caseload of planning applications across Somerset, from householder developments to minor schemes. You’ll work closely with developers, agents and local communities, delivering robust planning decisions, supporting enforcement and compliance activity, and representing the Council at appeals. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape sustainable development and provide a professional, customer-focused planning service that makes a real difference across Somerset.

This is more than planning. It’s your chance to help transform Somerset for generations to come.

How You'll Make a Difference 

• Shape the future of Somerset by managing a diverse portfolio of planning applications, from new homes and commercial developments to infrastructure projects.
• Work closely with developers, agents, Councillors and local communities, providing expert planning advice and finding practical solutions to complex challenges.
• Visit sites, assess proposals and produce clear recommendations that help deliver sustainable growth across the county.
• Present cases at Planning Committee, playing a key role in decision-making and influencing the places where people live, work and thrive.
• Lead on planning appeals.
• Investigate planning compliance issues, negotiate positive outcomes and help protect the character and quality of Somerset's environment.
• Contribute to the development of Somerset's future planning policies, helping shape a single Local Plan for the county.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-profile developments, make a visible impact on local communities and help shape Somerset for generations to come.

What You'll Bring

• Strong planning knowledge, including development management, policy, legislation and case law.
• Experience managing a varied planning caseload and delivering against performance targets.
• A degree in Town Planning (or related subject) or equivalent experience, with RTPI membership or eligibility, or a commitment to working towards RTPI membership eligibility.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Sound judgement, adaptability and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong IT skills and a collaborative, customer-focused approach.
• Experience representing a local authority at planning appeals would be advantageous.

Why Join Us? 

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life. 

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave. 

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes. 

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow. 

• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services. 

• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work. 

Find out more about working at Somerset Council: 
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/ 

Further Information 

• 30 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• We are happy to consider part time and flexible working patterns – we work hard to sustain a good work-life balance and are passionate about maintaining a positive and supportive working culture.
• Flexible and hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the office) based in relevant area office.

Unfortunately, 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.  

If you're driven to help shape vibrant, sustainable communities and want to leave a lasting legacy for Somerset, we'd welcome a conversation.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Nikki Honan, Area Manager at nikki.honan@somerset.gov.uk

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset. 

If you’re passionate about planning and want to work on projects that genuinely shape places and communities, we would love to hear from you.

You can find a copy of the job description here:  RP022 Planning Officer.pdf 

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