Planning Assistant or Planning Officer

We are seeking a Planning Assistant or Planning Officer to join our Delivery and Enforcement team on a full time or part 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 are focused on the enforcement of planning control, use and approval of conditions, planning applications and lawful development certificates and related appeals. 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, AONB, extensive areas vulnerable to flooding and other sensitive environments. Our challenges are wide ranging and as a result there will be plenty of opportunity to develop your career.

While this position is based in the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, we operate a hybrid working environment. Most of the team predominantly work from home however, we attend the office as a team once a fortnight., Responsibilities for this role will vary according to the grade and are based on the knowledge, skills, and experience of the successful candidate.

Planning Assistant
In this role, you will support a range of development management activities aimed at conserving, promoting, maintaining, and enhancing both the natural and built environment in alignment with council priorities. With a broad understanding of development management processes, you'll handle routine technical issues and resolve process queries, escalating complex matters as needed.

Planning Officer
In this role, you'll provide practical support and advisory services in Development Management, working within established frameworks and in consultation with other professionals. You'll use specialist knowledge gained through practical experience or relevant qualifications and work independently within defined procedures, with guidance from managers as required.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role., We are looking for an individual who is passionate about [relevant field/area], and who possesses the following skills and experience:

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about planning, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

Planning Assistant: NVQ level 3 in Town Planning or equivalent.
Planning Officer: Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.

Desirable Criteria:

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 Disability Confident.

North Somerset Council is dedicated to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

Competitive salary and benefits
Flexible working arrangements
Opportunities for professional development
Staff groups
Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
Dedicated 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.