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 Planning Policy Manager to lead our Planning Policy Team. The Planning Policy Team are responsible for supporting North Somerset to be a great place to live, work and visit by developing and managing the implementation the Local Plan to shape sustainable development in line with social and economic demand, council objectives, placemaking concepts and national planning policy and regulations.
In this role, you will develop coherent planning policy and oversee the preparation and adoption of a sound Local Plan based on the identification of local need, within the context of changing national planning policy and an evolving legislative framework (English Devolution White Paper and Planning and Infrastructure Bill).
Key Responsibilities:
Contribute to the strategic direction of the function with service intelligence, knowledge and expertise
Provide expert advice and leadership in meeting the authorities housing delivery mandatory targets
Ensure planning policy is in line with national legislation and guidance
Oversee public consultations to gather feedback on planning policies and proposals
Respond to and resolve questions and issues arising from developers, communities and other stakeholders
Provide expert guidance and advice on the interpretations and application of planning policies and legislation
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 or less 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 the local plan making and the planning professions ability to deliver sustainable communities that people want to live and work in, and who also possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
Significant experience of delivering and leading on planning policy and local plan preparation
Extensive experience in supporting the Development Management process by providing planning policy advice and acting as an expert witness at Public Inquiries planning appeals
Communication: able to clearly, succinctly and accurately explain complex planning issues both verbally at council meetings and within written reports
Leadership: able to coach, mentor and motivate a team, and other stakeholders as a subject matter expert
Organisation and time management: able to meet multiple deadlines
Strategic thinking: able to align programmes and function plans with the wider organisational vision and direction
Budget management
Desirable Criteria:
Degree in planning or related discipline
Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) of similar professional body
What We Offer
Working at North Somerset Council 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 34 off days per annum (depending on length of service), 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
Options for 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 .