Somerset Council
Planning Technician
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Planning Technician
**Planning Technician |
Vacancy Reference: 1085/DT | Grade 12 | Salary: £28,598 - £32,061 per annum | 37 Hours per week (Permanent) | Closing Date: 12 July 2026 |
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 the key point of contact, you will:
- Deliver clear and accurate advice to customers, businesses, and colleagues.
- Manage enquiries and cases efficiently within statutory requirements and service standards.
- Support service delivery through system administration, data management, consultations, and report production.
- Apply sound judgement to resolve technical queries and maintain high-quality systems in relation to Planning, Enforcement & Appeals.
This role has a strong focus on customer service and requires contributions to continuous improvement and collaborative planning services.
Key Responsibilities
Planning Application Management
- Evaluate planning applications, plans, and reports to ensure compliance with legislation.
- Act as the main point of contact for customers, managing enquiries, investigations, and case resolutions with a strong focus on service excellence.
Operational Support
- Support smooth service running through:
- System administration, validation, and consultations.
- Procurement, invoicing, and debt management.
- Data management, reporting, FOI responses, and meeting support.
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Legislative & Procedural Compliance
- Stay up to date with legislation, policy, and procedures to provide clear, practical advice to colleagues and customers.
- Contribute to legal processes including preparing statements and attending court cases.
Case & Project Management
- Manage a varied caseload including application validation, appeals, enforcement cases, and technical queries.
- Work collaboratively with customers, businesses, and partners to resolve issues.
- Prioritise competing demands, resolve complaints effectively, and prioritise workload while maintaining high standards.
Technical Support & Improvement
- Apply technical expertise to manage and resolve service requests in line with policies and evolving legislation.
- Maintain and improve key systems (e.g., Uniform and Acolaid) and ensure data quality.
- Support and coordinate projects such as system/legislative changes.
- Provide guidance and training to colleagues where required.
Requirements – Knowledge, Experience & Skills
We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate:
- Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation and relevant experience.
- Experience dealing with the public and case managing planning applications.
- Familiarity with databases and the ability to generate performance reports for audits.
- Qualifications:
- GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
- Educated to A-level standard (or equivalent experience).
- Exceptional customer service and organisational skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a team with strong communication.
- Proficiency in IT systems, confident in using databases, financial tools, and stock ordering software at speed.
- Accurate ability to follow and contribute to operating procedures.
- Empathy and problem-solving — handling difficult situations, queries, and public interactions effectively.
- Flexibility to prioritise workloads, manage varied tasks, and contribute to service review and development.
- Innovative approach in problem-solving and escalating queries to senior officers as needed.
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Additional Information
Working Arrangements
- Permanent role, 37 hours per week.
- Hybrid working option: Work from home and office (by arrangement) after training completion.
Holiday Entitlement
- 28 days annual leave (excluding public holidays).
Visa & Sponsorship
Regrettably, we cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
Contact for Informal Discussions
For further queries, contact one of the Team Leaders:
- Chloe Beviss – Chloe.Beviss@somerset.gov.uk
- Lisa Wilson – Lisa.wilson@somerset.gov.uk
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