About Us
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Principal Planning Officer to join our Strategic Development Team. The Strategic Development Team are responsible for guiding proposals through the development process including examining, processing and evaluating major planning and related applications including pre-and post-application advice, site inspections, negotiations, preparation and presentation of reports to a range of audiences.
In this role, you will be required to undertake development management activities for new development including planning applications, advice and appeals for major developments and related, compliance and enforcement. Roles at this level deliver a specific service, are part of a collaborative team responsible for strategic development activities within the Planning Service.
Key Responsibilities:
Process major planning applicants and make recommendations
Prepare reports, including proofs of evidence in relation to a range of appeals, and present evidence at hearings, and public inquiries, and at court proceedings
Give information and advice to businesses, the public and other stakeholders about legislative requirements and standards for compliance with planning legislation
This is a career graded post, and we are looking to appoint at Level 9. The starting salary will be dependent on your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.
This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:
2-3 days in the office
Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about using the Planning system to deliver sustainable development that meets the needs of local communities, and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
Significant evidence of working with the most complex and challenging areas of Development Management.
Academic qualifications in Town and Country planning or similar at Honours degree level or above, or in exceptional circumstances equivalent experience to give an in-depth level of knowledge necessary to undertake the most complex cases
A comprehensive knowledge of legislation, policy, regulations and professional codes of practice for Development Management
Ability to prepare & present information/evidence clearly and confidently at Public Inquiries and planning committee meetings.
Ability to manage and organise own work and assist that of colleagues to meet agreed deadlines.
Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.
Desirable Criteria:
Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or approved professional qualification relevant to the area of work
See the job description for a full list of essential criteria.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. In addition, North Somerset is a great place to balance a rewarding career with a quality home life. Located south of Bristol, it’s a scenic rural area with access to the coast and the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Benefits include:
Generous leave with up to 32 off days per annum, plus up to 12 additional days off per annum under our flexitime scheme
Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
Flexible working arrangements
Working primarily from home but with easy access to modern offices
Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
Tax deductible electric vehicle lease scheme (via salary sacrifice)
Entry into the excellent local government pension scheme
Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
Access to Health Assured Employee Assistance programme
Access to BHSF Corporate Health Cash Plan
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .