Bath & North East Somerset Council
Principal Planning Officer (Policy)
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Principal Planning Officer – Planning Policy Team
Fixed Term Contract (24 months)
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose: to improve people’s lives.
About The Team
Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council is seeking to recruit a Principal Planning Officer within the Planning Policy Team on a fixed-term contract (24 months). This is a key post in the team, and we are looking for applications from the very best candidates.
B&NES is a successful and diverse area, boasting international and national heritage, environmental assets, and extensive Green Belt coverage. It’s a hugely attractive place to work, live, and visit.
Given the government’s growth agenda and B&NES’s economic role as part of the West of England sub-region, the area is facing significant development pressure, requiring careful planning. B&NES is part of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA). WECA is preparing a Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) to plan for longer-term growth strategically, with B&NES playing a key role in this process. Alongside this, a new-style Local Plan will soon be required.
We are seeking a highly organised professional with **significant strategic planning experience to co-ordinate B&NES’s input into the preparation of the WECA SDS. The successful candidate will:
- Play a vital role in representing B&NES during WECA discussions.
- Collaborate with WECA and neighbouring local authorities.
- Be highly motivated, a strong communicator, and have a proven track record of working with stakeholders to achieve key milestones.
The role offers a chance to:
- Work across the sub-region within a high-performing B&NES Planning Policy team.
- Develop your career in a supportive working environment.
About The Role
The Principal Planning Officer ensures that development proposals comply with legislation, regulations, national and local planning policies, and Council objectives across:
- Development Management
- Plan Making
- Planning Enforcement
As a technical leader, you will:
- Provide specialist advice and information on Plan Making, policy development, and the preparation of a sound Development Plan.
This role may involve:
- Managing a small team and providing supervision and mentoring to junior colleagues and apprentices.
- Deputising for Team Managers as required.
Key Accountabilities
- Appraise and make recommendations on complex, contentious, or controversial planning applications/cases, ensuring compliance with the Local Plan, regulations, and legislative frameworks against B&NES’s needs.
- Provide written statements and Proofs of Evidence, and represent the Council at:
- Examinations in Public
- Associated hearings (as an expert witness)
- Respond to highly complex enquiries from:
- The public
- Members
- Applicants
- All stakeholders
- Deliver timely, constructive advice and attend public meetings as needed.
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Policy and Planning Guidance
- Provide specialist planning advice to ensure applicants submit development applications aligned with Development Plan requirements, improving approval probabilities while supporting sustainable B&NES growth.
- Offer pre-application advice on major development proposals and assess the robustness of technical studies, assessments, and documentation with internal and external consultees.
- Represent B&NES in appeals, hearings, and inquiries as an expert witness, defending Council decisions.
Planning Committee Work
- Present applications to the Planning Committee, occasionally lead as primary officer to facilitate effective decision-making.
- Make delegated authority decisions to sign-off applications.
Negotiation and Project Management
- Negotiate and project manage complex planning/development proposals, collaborating with internal and external partners to:
- Achieve Development Plan objectives.
- Use section 106 agreements and planning conditions as necessary.
Regulation and Enforcement
- Conduct initial breaches of planning control investigations, assisting in planning enforcement to ensure compliance with Council policies and decisions.
Mentorship and Training
- Provide guidance, advice, and support to Planning Officers, ensuring high standards in Council services.
Policy Development and Contribution
- Contribute to Article 4 Directions and Local Development Orders, identifying successes and improvements for policy adoption.
- Formulate planning policy addressing complex, high-impact issues.
- Coordinate the preparation, review, and approval of statutory development plans and sustainability appraisals for an up-to-date policy framework.
Public Engagement
- Organise and conduct public consultations, promoting Council policies, and ensuring effective public participation and understanding.
About You
We seek a highly capable, proactive, and qualified professional with:
- Substantial strategic planning experience, including project management and leadership.
- A degree in Planning or a related subject (or equivalent experience).
- Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) (or equivalent).
- Extensive experience in:
- Managing complex planning/development decisions.
- Serving as an expert witness, especially in contentious cases during Development Plan Examinations.
- Presenting complex applications before the Planning Committee.
- Thorough knowledge of:
- Planning policy and enforcement.
- B&NES’s Development Plan.
- Planning legislation (e.g., Town and Country Planning Act) and national frameworks.
- Effective communication to:
- Translate technical information clearly.
- Interact professionally with applicants, objectors, stakeholders, and consultees.
- Negotiate desired outcomes.
- Ability to manage complex caseloads, including appeals and applications.
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For further details or a discussion on the role, contact: Richard Daone, Deputy Head of Planning (Policy) Email: [redacted] Phone: 01225 477546 All applications must be made via the online system.
Key Dates
- Interview date: 10/08/2026
- Note: This advert may close earlier than listed due to high demand. Apply immediately.
Note for active candidates: BANES Council operates a prior consideration policy for redeployees (Council employees on an at-risk register). Redployees meeting essential criteria will be considered before external applicants.
About Bath and North East Somerset Council
At B&NES Council, our mission is to contribute to your community and enhance residents’ lives. Our values guide how we:
- Deliver public services.
- Communicate with residents.
Our Commitments
- Diversity and inclusion – A welcoming workplace for widely varied backgrounds.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
- Disability Confident Employer – Advancing opportunities for disabled individuals.
The Council encourages:
- Job-share, part-time, and flexible work arrangements where feasible.
Safeguarding
B&NES is committed to safeguarding vulnerable groups. This includes undertaking Enhanced DBS checks for roles involving children or vulnerable people.
Benefits
Working at B&NES Council offers:
- Competitive pay aligned with skills and experience.
- Flexible working to support a balanced life.
- Support programs.
Learn more at [related link].
Join a team that values community and positive impact. Together, we improve lives through public service.
[Inclusion statement links redacted].
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