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- Tasks: Lead a team assessing major planning applications and improve processes in Somerset.
- Company: Join a dynamic Unitary Authority focused on development and community improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, flexible working, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Somerset's planning while growing in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified planners with experience in local authority; management experience preferred.
- Other info: Interviews scheduled for March 26th - 28th, 2025; apply now!
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Closing in 26 days (16 March, 2025)
Job details
Salary: £50,000 per annum (this includes a remuneration package of £2,246 per annum for up to 3 years)
Department: Planning and Transport
Working pattern: Full Time
Location: Somerset
About the job
As a Principal Officer, you would be assessing and determining a range of major applications including Residential, Commercial, Allocated sites and managing Planning Performance Agreements to provide for the 18,000 homes allocated in the Local Plan.
You will lead a small area team within Somerset and carry a caseload of major applications. Due to the need to undertake site visits, you will need to be in the office 1-2 days a week with the option for home working the rest of the time.
This role provides 33 days of annual leave. As a developing service, you would be in a position to inform and develop process improvements.
You would also manage a small team of Planners and Senior Planners (4-7 people), providing support through one-on-ones and team meetings. Within each area of Somerset, there are 2-3 Principal Officers enabling peer support.
The scale of the authority is significant, as is the skill set of the existing team and the variety of surrounding development management experience.
We have a huge breadth of work, including:
- Local Development Orders
- Development Consent Orders
- Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects
- Major residential and Commercial developments
- Our Emerging Local Plan
We also have a successful history of gaining Levelling Up and Homes England funding, which means there will be a range of new projects to work on in the coming years.
You will be directly managed by one of the two area leads who will oversee Planning and be supported by the Planning Service Manager in delivering a high-quality and improvement-driven service.
As the second largest and newly formed Unitary, we are actively leading on improvement projects throughout the service and engaging with staff to influence outcomes.
About you
We are looking for qualified planners with experience of determining and negotiating on complex caseloads within a Local Authority environment. You need to be or be eligible to become a Chartered Planner. If you are not already Chartered, this will be encouraged for your development once in the role.
Management experience is ideal, but if you’re a Senior Planner ready to step up, we’ll support your development into a Principal role.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. The ability to shape the future enforcement service for Somerset within a supportive and rewarding environment is essential.
We offer a variety of training and development opportunities, with supportive management. We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
Additional employee benefits include:
- Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
- Staff discounts in gyms
- Employee Assistance and various wellbeing services
- Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme
- A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice
- My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more
Additional information
The Salary for the Principal Planning Officer role is Grade 8, £50,000 per annum, including a remuneration package of £2,246 per annum for up to 3 years.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Gary Collins via email at or Thomas Jones at
Interviews will be held between March 26th – 28th, 2025.
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.
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Principal Planning Officer (Development Management) employer: Somerset County Council
Contact Detail:
Somerset County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Local Plan and the specific development projects in Somerset. Understanding the local context and current planning challenges will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles within local authorities. They can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable for tailoring your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex caseloads and how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlighting specific examples will showcase your leadership potential.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the recent improvements and initiatives undertaken by the Planning Service in Somerset. Being able to speak about these developments shows your genuine interest in contributing to the team's success.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Planning Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities, such as assessing major applications and managing a team, to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in determining and negotiating complex caseloads within a Local Authority environment. Mention any management experience or relevant projects that showcase your skills.
Explain Employment Gaps: When detailing your employment history, be transparent about any gaps. Provide clear explanations to demonstrate your continuous professional development or relevant activities during those periods.
Showcase Your Qualifications: If you are a Chartered Planner or eligible to become one, make sure to highlight this in your application. If you're a Senior Planner looking to step up, express your readiness for the Principal role and your commitment to professional growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a Principal Planning Officer. Familiarize yourself with the types of applications you'll be assessing and the importance of managing Planning Performance Agreements.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience in determining and negotiating complex caseloads within a Local Authority environment. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving major residential or commercial developments.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, be ready to talk about your management experience. If you're stepping up from a Senior Planner role, share examples of how you've supported team members and contributed to their development.
✨Engage with Future Projects
Express your enthusiasm for the upcoming projects related to the Emerging Local Plan and funding opportunities. Show that you're proactive about contributing to process improvements and shaping the future enforcement service for Somerset.
