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Senior Planning Officer - Somerset Council
Job Posted: 2 days ago
Salary: £ 280 - 280 / Day
Job Type: Contract Temporary
Location: TA1, Taunton, Somerset
Expire in: a month
Job Description
Senior Planning Officer – Somerset Council
📍 Location: The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY
💰 Rate: £280 per day
🕒 Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
📅 Contract Length: 6 months
🚀 Start Date: Immediate Start Available
Shape the Future of Somerset – Join Us as a Senior Planning Officer
Are you a skilled and motivated planning professional ready to take on complex, high-profile work?
Somerset Council is looking for an experienced Senior Planning Officer to join its Development Management team at a critical time of transformation. This is your opportunity to help shape the county’s future through meaningful planning decisions that will have a lasting impact on communities, infrastructure, and the local economy.
With a varied caseload including major housing schemes, economic regeneration, environmental assessments, and change-of-use applications, this role is ideal for professionals ready to step into a role where their expertise will be valued, their voice heard, and their contributions seen.
What You’ll Be Doing
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Lead and manage a diverse caseload of planning applications, including complex minor and major developments
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Negotiate with developers, agents, and legal teams to secure high-quality outcomes aligned with local and national policy
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Provide pre-application advice on both principle and detailed development proposals
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Draft committee reports and present at Planning Committee as required
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Represent the Council as an expert witness at appeals, public inquiries, and hearings
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Guide and support Planning Officers and Technicians with complex legislative or procedural issues
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Collaborate with stakeholders, internal departments, and external agencies to ensure planning decisions are well-informed and compliant
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Contribute to the preparation and testing of policies for the new Somerset-wide Local Plan
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a confident, knowledgeable planning professional who can work independently, manage competing priorities, and influence outcomes through informed judgement and negotiation.
Essential:
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Degree in Town Planning or a related field
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Eligible for or full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
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Extensive experience in development management and handling complex or major applications
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Sound understanding of planning law, policy, enforcement, and relevant case law
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Ability to interpret legislation and lead on technical planning matters
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Experience preparing and presenting planning reports, legal agreements (e.g. S106), and appeal statements
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent the council in public forums
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Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines
Why Join Somerset Council?
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Work on some of the most complex and meaningful developments in the region
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Be part of a council committed to sustainable growth, housing, and community wellbeing
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Influence the future of planning in Somerset, contributing directly to the emerging unified Local Plan
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Supportive team environment with access to planning specialists, legal advisors, and senior leaders
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Immediate start available – hit the ground running in a role that makes a difference from day one
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Flexible working arrangements and full access to IT systems and tools
Ready to Step Into a Key Role?
This is more than a job — it's an opportunity to deliver planning outcomes that matter. If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a council that values proactive, solution-focused professionals, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and start making an impact immediatelyBefore You Apply
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