Principal Planning Officer

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; England; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead significant development projects and manage a dedicated planning team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience and qualifications in town planning, with a strong ability to communicate effectively in a political environment. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities to work on diverse planning projects that contribute to the future of the community. Join us and help shape the Borough's development.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of the planning system.
• Significant post-qualification experience in planning.
• Demonstrable ability to collaborate with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex and major development schemes.
• Present at committee meetings.
• Manage other members of the planning team.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Ability to operate in political environments

Education

Qualified and chartered town planner (RTPI)

Job description

Principal Planning Officer

£47,181 - £51,356 per annum plus £5,000 market supplement (subject to review)

About The Role

The Borough of Great Yarmouth is situated on the east coast comprising the historic towns of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston-on-Sea. The Borough spans approximately 15 miles of coastline from Winterton-on-Sea to Hopton-on-Sea, is surrounded by the Norfolk Broads, and contains a strong tourist industry, an outer harbour, and various brownfield development opportunities.

This exciting opportunity for an experienced planning officer to enjoy a diverse caseload with a new Local Plan on the horizon and significant development opportunities ahead, including land at Great Yarmouth's North Quay and the redevelopment of the James Paget University Hospital.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to lead on complex and major development schemes, present at committee meetings, and to manage other members of the planning team.

For more information, or to discuss the role, please initially contact Nick Fountain via email at [e-mail] or 01493 846626.

Closing Date

Sunday 25 January 2026

Interview Date

Friday 06 February 2026

About You

You will be a qualified and chartered town planner (with the RTPI) who has a comprehensive knowledge of the planning system, significant post‑qualification experience in planning, excellent communication and organisational skills and a well‑developed ability to operate in a political environment on often contentious and complex matters, with a demonstrable ability to collaborate with elected members, partners, members of the public and other organisations.

About Us

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has the goal to achieve excellence for the Borough. We don’t just say we are ambitious; we mean it. We are always looking at the ways in which we can improve and be the best that we can, providing the best for the people who live, work, visit and operate businesses in the Borough.

We have big plans for the future and massive opportunities ahead. We are one of the most successful enterprise zones in the country, Great Yarmouth is England’s offshore energy hub and Norfolk’s biggest seaside resort at the edge of the Broads National Park. The challenges we face in the borough are wide, but our commitment to achieving more has never been so focused.

We know that our team members are our most valuable asset, working hard to achieve our short and long term goals. Find out more about the people who work with us, and if you are as ambitious as we are, apply now and be part of our team.

We offer a range of exciting benefits as an employer and are committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and the services we provide.

There is more information on the Jobs page of the Great Yarmouth Borough Website, with details of how to apply and the recruitment process. You will also be able to find more details regarding DBS checks (if relevant for the job role), Right to Work checks, along with details of our values and behaviours, agile working and our Privacy Notice.

To Apply

To apply please click on the "apply button".