Planning Technician

Somerset County Council; Yeovil; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Yeovil seeks a Planning Technician for a hybrid position focusing on support within the Planning Service. The ideal candidate will handle evaluations, respond to public inquiries, and maintain records in bespoke planning systems. Requirements include good IT skills, teamwork experience, and relevant qualifications (A-Levels and GCSEs). The role offers a supportive working environment with generous annual leave and flexible arrangements.

Benefits

Generous annual leave allowance

Staff discounts in gyms

Employee Assistance Programs

Pension Scheme with enhancement options

Flexible Benefits Scheme

Qualifications

• Good IT skills, with knowledge of Microsoft Office Tools and Dynamics.
• Experience of using databases.
• Experience working within a team, while also being able to use your initiative.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate planning applications, plans and reports.
• Respond to enquiries from members of the public.
• Issue planning decisions.

Skills

Good IT skills

Teamwork experience

Problem-solving abilities

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of the planning system

Education

A-Levels (or equivalent)

5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths

Tools

Microsoft Office Tools

Dynamics

Job description

Some key information

• Hybrid working – work from home and from one of our offices by agreement, once training has been completed.
• 28 days’ annual leave pro‑rata, plus bank holidays.
• Front‑facing support role within the Planning Service.
• Permanent position.

What will I be doing?

Here at Somerset Council our Planning Technicians are the front face of the Planning Service, supporting the day‑to‑day operations. You will be the first point of contact for our service users and will maintain records in bespoke planning systems.

• Evaluate planning applications, plans and reports to validate and process applications into our electronic database, including plotting sites on our GIS software.
• Read, redact and record planning comments, ensuring compliance with GDPR.
• Respond to enquiries from members of the public and stakeholders in writing, on the telephone or in person across a range of planning matters – including planning permission in accordance with legislation and general advice on the planning process.
• Issue planning decisions.
• Undertake general technical duties to support the service.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance. It will help if you have:

• Good IT skills, with knowledge of Microsoft Office Tools and Dynamics.
• Experience of using databases.
• Experience working within a team, while also being able to use your initiative with strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Well organised, able to work with accuracy at speed and able to prioritise competing demands.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Some knowledge of the planning system.
• A‑Levels (or equivalent) plus 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team.

What's in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance and a variety of wellbeing services.
• Auto‑enrolment into a generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through an Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.

Anything else I should know?

The salary for the Planning Technician role is Grade 12, £17,390 to £19,496 per annum for 22.5 hours per week.

Contact and application

For an informal chat about the role:

• Chloe Beviss (01935 462321) – [e-mail]
• Vicky Parsons (01749 341597) – [e-mail]

Interviews will be held week commencing 19th January 2026.

When completing your application / CV provide your full employment history and explain any gaps in employment. Start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have everything you need, just hit the apply button. We can’t wait to hear from you.