Senior Planning Officer

South Norfolk and Broadland Councils; Norwich; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Free onsite parking

Local Government Pension Scheme

Job summary

South Norfolk and Broadland Councils in Norwich are seeking a Senior Planning Officer to lead on planning proposals, including small-scale major schemes, within a proactive Development Management Team. You will help shape growth while protecting the environment and quality of life for communities.

The role requires a Planning degree and RTPI membership (or close to). You will manage complex projects, liaise with stakeholders, prepare reports for committees, and travel across locations as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree in Planning or a related discipline.
• Chartered RTPI member or within 1 year of achieving membership.
• Knowledge of planning legislation and current developments.
• Proven experience in planning and development management.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects collaboratively across disciplines.
• Willingness to travel independently across locations.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and negotiate action with developers and other stakeholders on planning proposals (pre-apps and applications).
• Resolve complex/controversial planning issues with stakeholders.
• Prepare written reports and recommendations for development management/planning committee; prepare appeal statements and act as a witness.
• Build relationships and provide information to elected members, agents, applicants and the public in writing, face to face and by telephone.

Skills

Negotiation

Influencing

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Planning degree

RTPI membership

Job description

Salary band F: £43,682 - £48,748

We are looking to appoint a Senior Planning Officer, ideally with experience of dealing with small scale major applications, to join a multi-disciplinary, motivated and friendly Development Management Team. Working for two authorities creates the opportunity to build your knowledge on a range of planning applications and to help shape and deliver against our ambitious growth agenda whilst also protecting our strong built and natural environment.

We have a lot to deliver, handling around 4,000 planning applications each year across a diverse area of urban communities, rural villages, and vibrant market towns. We are progressing significant housing and commercial developments alongside essential infrastructure, including large-scale residential schemes within Broadland's Growth Triangle, key employment sites such as enterprise zones, and the delivery of our newly adopted Greater Norwich Local Plan.

We are therefore looking for a motivated ambitious team player to work within one of our area teams, where you will play a vital role in helping to create exceptional places to live and work for our residents.

What you'll be doing

• Initiate and negotiate action with developers, applicants, and other stakeholders on planning proposals (both pre-application and planning applications).
• Work with stakeholders to actively resolve complex and/or controversial issues and problems associated with your planning applications.
• Prepare written reports and recommendations to development management/planning committee, prepare appeal statements and act as a witness at informal hearings.
• Build and develop effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and provide information and advice to elected members, agents, applicants and the general public in writing, face to face and by telephone.

About You

You will hold a degree in Planning or a related discipline and be a Chartered Member of the RTPI, or within one year of achieving membership.

You will have comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation and current developments, along with proven experience in planning and development management, and the ability to address challenges in a constructive and responsive manner.

Able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, you will work collaboratively across disciplines to achieve shared objectives. You will be a skilled negotiator and influencer, capable of preparing and presenting specialist advice on complex issues, and responding to subsequent enquiries with fairness, tact and impartiality. You will need to be able to travel independently across locations in the course of your duties.

Ideally, you will have experience of dealing with small-scale major applications.

Closing Date: Monday 28th September 2026

Interview Date: W/C 5th October 2026

Why Join Us?

We offer flexible working hours for most office-based roles, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. As part of our team, you will enjoy a range of employee benefits, including free onsite parking, employee discounts, a competitive holiday allowance, wellbeing initiatives, and the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.

You will be joining a progressive and supportive organisation that is committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

The Councils reserve the right to close any and all vacancies at any time if there is judged to be a sufficient number of applications received.

South Norfolk and Broadland Councils are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and all applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate checks for the position, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.