Development Contributions Officer (Career Graded)

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 detail-oriented and motivated Development Contributions Officer to join our Development Contributions Team, a specialist sub-team within Planning Policy. This team plays a vital role in securing, monitoring and managing development contributions, specifically through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and S106 planning obligations. These contributions are essential to ensure that new development across North Somerset is supported by the infrastructure communities need - such as roads, schools, open spaces and community facilities.

You will support the process for securing, monitoring and managing development contributions, requiring strong numeracy skills and the ability to work with specialist software. Effective communication with a range of stakeholders such as developers, planning applicants and town and parish councils, is essential in this role. There will be opportunities to contribute to the wider work of the Planning Policy Team including the planning and delivery of development and infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the process for securing, monitoring and managing CIL and S106
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and procedures
• Manage a caseload of individual applications and cases under supervision
• Review planning application documents and interpret and measure approved plans
• Record and retrieve data using specialist software
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders such as developers, planning applicants, town and parish councils, colleagues and members of the local community
• Maintain accurate records to support the preparation of statutory returns such as the Infrastructure Funding Statement, Residential Land Survey and Self & Custom Build Housing Return
• Provide development contributions data and advice as required
• Assist with input into policies and strategies for securing development contributions, including preparation, implementation, and review of Supplementary Planning Documents.
• Contribute to other planning policy development and infrastructure delivery planning as required.

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 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:

• Work both from home and the office. While this position is based in the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, we operate a hybrid working environment. Most of the team predominantly work from home however, we currently attend the office as a team once a week, or more frequently 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 someone passionate about using the planning system to deliver sustainable development that meets the needs of local communities, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Undergraduate Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, processes and practices.
• Strong numeracy skills and ability to use ICT systems effectively.
• Excellent communication skills to engage effectively with stakeholders.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines with supervision.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working in development contributions, planning or a related field.
• Eligibility or working towards membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent
• Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel.

See the job description for a full list of criteria.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

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

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact in 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 Caitlin Stokes, Principal Development Contributions Officer, at caitlin.stokes@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01934 426501

Important Information

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

Interview Date: 28th November 2025 (TBC)

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

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.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.