Planning Policy Manager

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed 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.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Planning Policy Manager to lead our Planning Policy Team. The Planning Policy Team are responsible for supporting North Somerset to be a great place to live, work and visit by developing and managing the implementation the Local Plan to shape sustainable development in line with social and economic demand, council objectives, placemaking concepts and national planning policy and regulations.

In this role, you will develop coherent planning policy and oversee the preparation and adoption of a sound Local Plan based on the identification of local need, within the context of changing national planning policy and an evolving legislative framework (English Devolution White Paper and Planning and Infrastructure Bill).

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the function with service intelligence, knowledge and expertise
• Provide expert advice and leadership in meeting the authorities housing delivery mandatory targets
• Ensure planning policy is in line with national legislation and guidance
• Oversee public consultations to gather feedback on planning policies and proposals
• Respond to and resolve questions and issues arising from developers, communities and other stakeholders
• Provide expert guidance and advice on the interpretations and application of planning policies and legislation

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more or less frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about the local plan making and the planning professions ability to deliver sustainable communities that people want to live and work in, and who also possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Significant experience of delivering and leading on planning policy and local plan preparation
• Extensive experience in supporting the Development Management process by providing planning policy advice and acting as an expert witness at Public Inquiries planning appeals
• Communication: able to clearly, succinctly and accurately explain complex planning issues both verbally at council meetings and within written reports
• Leadership: able to coach, mentor and motivate a team, and other stakeholders as a subject matter expert
• Organisation and time management: able to meet multiple deadlines
• Strategic thinking: able to align programmes and function plans with the wider organisational vision and direction
• Budget management

Desirable Criteria:

• Degree in planning or related discipline
• Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) of similar professional body

What We Offer

Working at North Somerset Council is a great place to balance a rewarding career with a quality home life. Located south of Bristol, it's a scenic rural area with access to the coast and the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Benefits include:

• Generous leave with up to 34 off days per annum (depending on length of service), plus up to 12 additional days off per annum under our flexitime scheme
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Options for flexible working arrangements
• Working primarily from home but with easy access to modern offices
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Tax deductible electric vehicle lease scheme (via salary sacrifice)
• Entry into the excellent local government pension scheme
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Access to Health Assured Employee Assistance programme
• Access to BHSF Corporate Health Cash Plan

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet .

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Jason Beale, Head of Planning, at jason.beale@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01934 426011.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.