Principal Planning Officer

Additional information - There is a market supplement of £5000 to this role (please note this is subject to review)

This is a fantastic opportunity to influence urban regeneration and coastal developments in the Borough of Great Yarmouth. Located on the east coast of Norfolk, the Borough benefits from over 15 miles of coastline, a strong visitor economy, a growing offshore energy and port logistics sector, and the distinctive seaside towns of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston-on-Sea.

The Council is delivering an ambitious regeneration programme, with major projects including regeneration at North Quay, South Denes, and the Winter Gardens. This  builds upon the successful restoration of The Venetian Waterways and transformation of Great Yarmouth’s Market Place. The Borough’s unique landscape and constraints require a carefully balanced approach to growth, addressing climate change, flood risk, and deprivation. The new Local Plan sets out a clear vision to deliver 6,840 new homes by 2042 alongside employment opportunities and supporting infrastructure.

The role offers genuine scope to support development across the Borough with a wide range of planning applications and a dynamic coastal environment as part of the day-to day. In addition to a competitive salary, the Council provides an attractive benefits package, including generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and access to a good local pension scheme.

End date: Sunday 31st May 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 9th / Wednesday 10th June 2026

For more information, or to discuss this role, please contact Nick Fountain, via email at [email protected] or 01493 846626.

Candidates will have depth of knowledge in national planning legislation and policy, significant experience of more complex planning applications and other planning casework, and presenting reports at committee meetings. Candidates will be qualified with a Masters degree or equivalent in Town and Country Planning and benefit from full chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

The Council is committed to supporting continuous professional development. Applicants are encouraged to review the full job description and person specification for further details about the role.

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.