Somerset Council
Planning Technician
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Planning Technician
Planning Technician
Closing date: 12 July 2026 Salary: Grade 12, ranging from £17,158 to £19,236 per annum for 22.2 hours a week
About the Role
The Planning Technician is a multi-skilled case officer responsible for validating, processing, and assessing a wide range of planning applications and service requests.
You will provide technical and administrative support across the planning service, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
As a key point of contact, you will deliver clear and accurate advice to customers, businesses, and colleagues, managing enquiries and cases efficiently within statutory requirements and service standards.
The role also involves:
- Supporting service delivery through system administration, data management, consultation processes, and report production.
- Applying sound judgement to resolve technical queries and maintain high-quality systems relating to Planning, Enforcement & Appeals.
- Contributing to continuous improvement and delivering collaboration for a high-quality planning service.
Key Responsibilities
Evaluation & Case Management
- Evaluate planning applications, plans, and reports, ensuring compliance with legislation.
- Act as the main point of customer contact, managing enquiries, investigations, and case resolutions with a service excellence focus.
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Operational Support
- Assist in the smooth running of the service by handling:
- System administration, validation, and consultations
- Procurement, invoicing & debt management
- Data management, reporting, FOI responses, and meeting support
Legislative & Enforcement Compliance
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of legislation, policies, and procedures to provide clear, practical advice.
- Contribute to legal processes (e.g., preparing statements and attending court).
Case Handling & Collaboration
- Manage a varied caseload of:
- Application validation, appeals, enforcement cases, and technical queries
- Collaboratively resolve issues with customers, businesses, and partners.
- Prioritise competing demands, effectively resolve complaints.
System & Process Improvement
- Ensure compliance with evolving legislation.
- Upkeep and maintain key systems (Uniform and Acolaid).
- Support and coordinate projects, including system and legislative changes.
- Maintain accurate records, enhance data quality, and guide colleagues.
Requirements
Essential Knowledge & Experience
- Knowledge of UK planning legislation, demonstrated through experience.
- Experience working in customer-facing roles (e.g., managing planning application enquiries).
- Background in database management, report generation for performance and audit.
- GCSE equivalency in English and Mathematics (or relevant experience) and qualification equivalent to A-level status (or experience).
- Strong experience in customer service and organisation.
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Key Skills
- Excellent communication, ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Proficiency with IT systems (databases, financial, and stock-ordering tools).
- Problem-solving orientation, ability to follow and develop operating procedures.
- Empathy and diplomacy for handling difficult situations and public-facing resolutions.
Attributes for Success
- Flexibility to prioritise competing demands and manage a diverse workload.
- Innovative problem-solving and awareness of when to escalate issues.
- Commitment to positive service improvements.
Benefits & Work Arrangement
- Part-time, permanent role (22.2 hours/week).
- Hybrid working (option to work from home and one office post-training).
- 28 days annual leave (pro rata) excluding bank holidays.
- Regrettably, no visa sponsorship can be provided.
For informal discussions, contact: Chloe.Beviss@somerset.gov.uk or Lisa.wilson@somerset.gov.uk
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