Senior Planning Officer - Development Management

Salary: Grade 9 ranging from £45,438 - £49,954 per annum, which includes a recruitment allowance of £2289 per annum, until 30/04/2028.

Contract: Permanent.

Hours: 37 hours a week: Positions Available in Taunton (18 hours per week), Yeovil (37 hours per week), Bridgwater and Shepton Mallet (full or part time)

Closing date: 29 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 Senior Planning Officer, you will 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.

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

How You'll Make a Difference

• 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 You'll Bring

• Significant experience in development management with a strong understanding of planning policy and practice.
• Sound judgement and the confidence to make well-informed decisions on complex cases.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work under pressure.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a practical and solution-focused approach.
• Resilience, professionalism and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A degree in planning or a related subject, with RTPI membership (or eligibility)

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).

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 or Zac Elwood, Area Planning Manager at zac.ellwood@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: LGR0118 Senior Planning Officer.pdf

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