Planning Policy Officer

We are seeking a dedicated Planning Policy Officer to join our Planning Policy Team.

North Somerset Council is at a key stage in the preparation of our new Local Plan having now submitted the plan for examination in May 2026. The new Local Plan will bring forward homes, jobs, community facilities and infrastructure to meet our needs while protecting a high-quality natural environment.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive, highly motivated planner to join the team to help take the plan through its examination to adoption under the current system and take a key role in future plan-making at a local and sub-regional level going forward under the new system.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop a career as a planning policy officer to take a key role in a friendly and supportive team working across a range of projects to help us plan for the future of the district. North Somerset faces significant development pressures in a constrained area which includes Green Belt, Mendip Hills National Landscape, extensive areas of land vulnerable to flooding and other sensitive environments. Our challenges are wide ranging and as a result there will be plenty of opportunity to work on a variety of issues and schemes.

The new Local Plan identifies four strategic growth locations, and the role will involve input into the delivery and implementation of these schemes working alongside colleagues across the council and external stakeholders.

We are looking for someone who has experience in the preparation of local plans and other planning documents, including helping to write policies and identify site options, researching and preparation of evidence, and liaising with other service areas in the Council. As part of this role you will support engagement with a range of stakeholders including statutory consultees and agencies, Town and Parish Councils, local communities, and the development industry. You will have a sound understanding of plan making legislation and the National Planning Policy Framework.

To be successful in this role you must have ambition to deliver exceptional places, have a positive approach to challenges, problem solving, and the ability to use your initiative, be able to innovate and seek creative solutions to planning for new homes and jobs and securing the delivery of infrastructure.

In this role, you will;

Key Responsibilities

Undertake the preparation of planning policy and related guidance, including formulation of local plan policies, neighbourhood plans, guidance, development briefs, design guidance, and associated evidence gathering and engagement.

Produce briefing information, policy advice and reports on complex and/or contentious policy issues to appropriate individuals and bodies at all levels of the council's governance arrangements and to members, external organisations, developers / applicants, and public meetings as required.

Make recommendations on issues of key importance.

Brief Cabinet members on specialist policy areas and draft Cabinet and Scrutiny Committee reports, supporting senior colleagues to present at meetings.

Prepare evidence base documents based on robust methodologies and well justified conclusions to support plan making, policies and allocations.

Liaise and co-ordinate work activities with other services across the council and external agencies including statutory consultees and government departments.

Ensure robust and inclusive community engagement, give advice and assistance to the public and other customers as and when necessary, and represent the Planning Service at public meetings and consultation events.

Represent the Council by supporting in the preparation and presentation of expert and professional evidence at public inquiries, examinations and hearings.

Provide policy and strategic planning advice to the Development Management service.

Maintain a thorough, up-to-date knowledge of relevant planning policies, planning law, working practices and procedures and consider their implications for North Somerset.

About You

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

Essential Criteria

An RTPI-recognised degree level qualification in Town Planning or equivalent.

Some experience of working within the planning profession, including experience relevant to planning policy.

Knowledge and practical experience of planning legislation, policies and procedures.

Ability to work independently with own workload to meet agreed deadlines and balance competing priorities.

Ability to prepare & present information/evidence clearly and confidently both in writing and verbally.

Desirable Criteria

Eligible for Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Experience of giving evidence at public inquiries, examinations and/or hearings.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Marcus Hewlett, Planning Policy Assistant Manager at marcus.hewlett@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01934 42 6331.

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