TOWN councillors are being asked to hire their own planning officer to help them cope with developers who want to build nearly 2,000 new homes in Wellington in the next decade.

The recommendation for the post, which would attract a salary of nearly £43,000, will be put to Monday’s (November 3) full council meeting.

Chief executive Dave Farrow said the town council did not actually have any statutory role in the planning process.

While councillors could submit comments on planning applications, their influence was limited by a lack of technical expertise in interpreting planning documents and policies, inconsistent engagement with planning consultations and strategic frameworks, and limited capacity to monitor and respond to planning activity in a timely and informed manner.

Mr Farrow said: “This may result in missed opportunities to shape development in alignment with local priorities and values.

He said councillors were aware of the scale of current proposed developments, and in the summer they had considered the town’s growth and how the council might work more effectively to ensure community needs were properly identified and addressed.

Mr Farrow said: “The appointment is proposed as a strategic measure to enhance the council’s capacity to represent community interests, respond effectively to development proposals, and engage proactively with planning authorities and developers.

He said in addition to eight currently proposed developments, Somerset Council earlier this year put out a ‘call for sites’ which could see other parcels of land brought forward.

Mr Farrow said: “As the town continues to grow and evolve, the need for the town to play a significant role in strategic planning to ensure the town’s infrastructure can support the amount of development and sustainable development becomes increasingly critical.

“A planning officer will play a pivotal role in ensuring that development aligns with the town’s vision and planning decisions meet community needs.

“Without dedicated planning expertise, the council risks being reactive rather than proactive, and its voice may be under-represented in decisions that shape the future of the community.

“This role would not confer statutory powers but would significantly enhance the council’s ability to influence outcomes through informed advocacy and strategic engagement.”

Mr Farrow said the planning post would be ‘a strategic investment in the town’s future’.

He said: “It ensures the town council would have a role in ensuring development is well-managed, legally compliant, and aligned with the community’s values and aspirations.

“The role will strengthen the council’s capacity to respond to growth, protect the town’s character, and deliver long-term benefits to residents.”

He said the total cost of the new officer post could be almost £58,000, which would have an impact on the precept raised from council taxpayers.

Mr Farrow said there was a risk a town council planning officer might lead to residents assuming the councillors had direct control over planning decisions and result in unrealistic expectations.

He said the advisory role and limits of council influence would need to be communicated clearly and the post could be used to educate and inform the public about the planning process.