Senior or Principal Planning Officer

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Planning Officer to join the Applications and Consents (Minors) Team on a full-time basis. We are a well-staffed and high performing team that are responsible for facilitating and regulating land use changes in accordance with local and national policies and guidance. While this is a high-level description of what we do, we assess and decide planning applications to achieve the best planning outcomes. We must balance the competing interests of applicants and developers, neighbours, relevant stakeholders, and the public at large, as well as the economy and the environment. North Somerset is a constrained area in planning terms with Green Belt, National Landscapes, extensive areas vulnerable to flooding and Special Areas of Conservation. Our challenges are wide ranging and as a result there will be plenty of opportunity to develop your career.,

• Tasks relating to the processing and evaluation of planning and related applications to include site inspections, negotiation, and liaising with consultees.
• Preparation of reports under officer delegation arrangements or to the Planning and Regulatory Committee.
• To prepare written statements in relation to a range of appeals and to present evidence, where appropriate, at hearings and committees.
• Manage effective relationships with applicants, agents, town and parish council's, consultees, council employees, and the public.
• See the attached career grade structure for further information.
  
  We are looking for an individual who is passionate about development management, and who possesses the following skills and experience, Undergraduate Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
• A minimum of 2 years (senior) and 3 years (principal) experience dealing with a wide range of planning issues.
• A broad knowledge of planning policy, legislation, processes and practices.
• Experience of handling planning appeals.
• Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel.
Desirable Criteria:
• Master's Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
• Eligibility for membership of RTPI.
• Customer service experience., 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 .

Senior Planning Officer: Level 7: £35,412 - £38,220 per annum Principal Planning Officer: Level 8: £39,152 - £41,771 per annum to Level 9: £42,839 - £48,226 per annum
• While this position is based in the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, we operate hybrid working environment. Most of the team predominantly work from home however, we attend the office as a team once a fortnight., At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment. 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.
What We Offer At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.