Planning Officers – DM, Enforcement & Policy (Officer to Principal)

Planning Officers – Shape Somerset's Future

Join the UK's second largest unitary authority and help deliver ambitious growth across Somerset.

Whether you're looking to progress your planning career, lead a team, or specialise in enforcement, we have opportunities at Officer, Senior and Principal level.

From major housing and commercial developments to strategic infrastructure projects, you'll play a key role in shaping communities and delivering positive outcomes for residents.

Current Opportunities

• Principal Planning Officer Grade 8, £56,528 per annum, which includes a recruitment allowance of £7,246 per annum, until 30/04/2028
• Senior Planning Officer Grade 9, ranging from £43,915 - £48,431 per annum, which includes a recruitment allowance of £2,289 per annum, until 30/04/2028.
• Planning Officer Grade 10, ranging from £38,510 - £43,149 per annum.
• Senior Planning Enforcement Officer Grade 9, ranging from £43,915 to £48,431 per annum, which includes a recruitment allowance of £2,289 per annum, until 30/04/2028.
• Senior Planning Policy Officer Grade 10, Ranging from £37,280 - £41,771 per annum.

Why Somerset?

Somerset offers a unique and varied planning environment with opportunities to work on:

• Major residential and commercial developments
• Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)
• Development Consent Orders and Local Development Orders
• The emerging Somerset Local Plan
• Planning enforcement and policy development

With successful Levelling Up and Homes England funding already secured, there is an exciting pipeline of infrastructure, regeneration and community projects ahead.

As a newly formed unitary authority, we're continuing to shape and evolve our services. This is an opportunity to influence how planning is delivered and be part of a forward-thinking, ambitious team.

The Roles

• Planning Officers play a key role in shaping Somerset's future, managing a diverse caseload of planning applications and helping deliver the homes, infrastructure and communities our residents need.
• Principal Planning Officers lead on major and strategic developments, influence high-profile projects, manage Planning Performance Agreements and support the growth and development of a talented planning team.
• Senior Planning Officers work on a varied portfolio of minor and major applications, negotiating ambitious, high-quality developments while building strong relationships with communities, developers and elected members.
• Senior Planning Enforcement Officers protect and enhance Somerset's places by leading complex enforcement investigations, resolving planning breaches and helping ensure development across the county is delivered responsibly and sustainably.
• Senior Planning Policy Officers shape Somerset's future by leading planning policy projects, developing the Local Plan and evidence base, and helping create sustainable, vibrant places for current and future generations.

What We're Looking For

You'll be a qualified planner or enforcement professional with experience of managing complex caseloads within a local authority setting.

We're keen to hear from:

• Chartered Planners, or those eligible to become chartered.
• Experienced planning and enforcement professionals looking for their next challenge.
• Senior officers ready to step into a Principal role, with support and development provided.

Flexible Working

We offer a hybrid approach, with office attendance typically required 1-2 days per week, alongside monthly committee meetings and site visits. The remainder of your time can be spent working from home. We also welcome applications for part-time positions.

What We Offer

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/ 

Find Out More

For an informal discussion about Development Management opportunities, contact Nikki.Honan@Somerset.gov.uk or Zac.Ellwood@Somerset.gov.uk ; and Neil.Waddleton@somerset.gov.uk to discuss the Enforcement roles.

Ready to take the next step in your planning career? We'd love to hear from you. Apply today Jobs at Somerset Council