Somerset Council

Join our Planning Team

Join one of the largest unitary local authorities in the country and help shape the future of an area known for its outstanding natural beauty, distinctive places, stunning and diverse coastline – from steep cliffs in the west to vast, sandy beaches and unique, rocky, fossil-rich shores - and thriving communities.

Following the successful local government reorganisation that brought together four former district councils and the county council, we now operate as a single, dynamic organisation supporting nearly 600,000 residents, with the stability, resources and ambition to support you in building a rewarding and impactful planning career, providing exposure to everything from rural development to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

We are recruiting to a number of professional town planning roles across our Development Management, Enforcement, Planning Policy and Minerals & Waste teams. These planning positions offer scale, breadth, and genuine avenue to contribute and enhance at every level and this is an exciting opportunity to work on a variety of future developments few authorities can match. The roles will provide flexibility to contribute to regeneration projects, major coastal infrastructure, heritage conservation, ambitious town centre renewal supported by significant government funding and of course schemes to support our crucial rural economy.

In addition, we are working to deliver new, high-quality market and affordable housing on a significant scale across the county in line with our adopted Placemaking Principles, which are already being implemented to create sustainable, attractive and liveable communities and will be further supported through new policies in our emerging Somerset-wide Local Plan. We also boast nationally significant and varied minerals resources and are one of the biggest providers and exporters in the country. Furthermore, Somerset is a leading authority in the safe and sustainable management of radioactive waste, being home to Hinkley Point C Power Station.

Imagine a career where you're not only addressing today's needs but helping create the communities of tomorrow. Are you ready to join a forward-thinking council committed to innovation, economic growth and sustainable development, working on high profile projects that will shape Somerset’s future or supporting smaller scale development to meet the communities’ needs? If so, Somerset has something for everyone.

The team are passionate about the work they do and work collaboratively to ensure the best outcome for all, to improve the lives of people in Somerset. Our area includes vibrant market towns, nationally recognised landscapes, significant heritage assets, major regeneration opportunities, and complex strategic growth projects. Whether you are assessing a diverse caseload of planning applications, shaping long‑term spatial strategies, influencing high‑quality place‑making, or helping deliver sustainable growth, you will be part of a forward‑thinking servicemaking a real difference to the future of our communities.

You will join a collaborative, supportive and well‑resourced planning service where professional development is actively encouraged. With a newly established unitary authority structure now embedded, we offer a stable platform for progression, innovation and cross‑disciplinary working. This is an ideal environment to grow your expertise, develop your professional identity and contribute to a modern planning service with ambition and purpose.

If you are passionate about planning, committed to high standards of professional practice and excited by the opportunity to work in a varied and beautiful environment, we would love to hear from you.

This is more than planning. It's meaningful, collaborative, long-term transformation.

Why join us?

 We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• Influence Major Development – If this is your area of interest there are significant residential, commercial and industrial projects including a range of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
• Varied, High-Profile Work - Get involved in everything from major regeneration and coastal infrastructure to heritage projects and town centre revitalisation. There is also a wealth of smaller scale rural developments and residential of all scales.
• Flexibility & Career Growth - Benefit from agile working, structured progression, and a strong "grow our own" culture.
• Innovation & Collaboration – having become Unitary in 2023 Somerset is growing and adapting with the ability to change and shape how we work in the future.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.

What we're looking for

We have opportunities at all levels within Planning including Development Management, Minerals and Waste, Enforcement and CIL and 106 Monitoring, with roles ranging from £28k to around £62k. We're looking for people who can bring passion, expertise, and fresh ideas. Tell us what you can offer, and we'll explore where you can make the greatest impact.

Senior Planning Policy Officer Job

Principal Planning Policy Officer Job

Planning Policy Officer Job

Enforcement and Monitoring Officer Job

Senior Monitoring and Enforcement Officer Job

Area Manager Job

Principal Enforcement Officer Job

Senior Planning Officer Job

Senior Planning Officer – Strategic Sites Job

Enforcement Officer  Job

Principal Planning Officer Job

Senior Planning Enforcement Officer Job

s106 and Community Infrastructure Levy Officer Job

Ready to start the conversation?

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

Start your journey with us today - head to the links below to find out more or contact Dawn de Vries for the DM or Enforcement roles, Helen Vittery for the Minerals and Waste roles and Rebecca Staddon – CIL and s106 Roles via email at [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]  

When completing your application/ CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have everything you need, just hit the apply button. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Apply: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/vacancies/?dept=Planning+and+Transport

Closing date: 22 February 2026