Principal Planners (2 posts available)

Starting salary up to £46041 depending on experience, plus essential car user allowance

Location: King’s Court Council Offices, King’s Lynn

Play your part in developing West Norfolk’s future.

Within the Planning Control team at King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, you will find a career opportunity like no other. Home to historic market towns such as King’s Lynn, Downham Market and Hunstanton, and with the beautiful Norfolk coast, The Fens and The Brecks falling under our guidance, we are committed to supporting the growth and regeneration of the area. With a focus on enabling the development of high-quality developments that will be a natural addition to our lovely borough, we bring an innovative and open-minded approach to every challenge. However, it is also essential that we adopt stringent measures so that we can protect the environment, and conserve the historic character of the region – so there are plenty of interesting projects to sink your teeth into! Join us in this work, and you could play a vital role in West Norfolk’s future.

With overarching responsibility for all areas of Development Control and Management, you will handle a wide range of interesting projects impacting on urban developments plus rural and coastal planning. Managing a team of Planners, you will also provide expert advice on planning applications received under Town and Country Planning legislation, and you will handle appeals, including representing the Council at Public Inquiries. Providing advice to the Planning Committee and Members, you will coordinate Executive and Planning Committee work, making recommendations on next steps and preparing reports.

To join us, we will expect you to be a fully qualified Planner, with membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). With at least five years of post-qualification experience working in the field of Development Control/Management, including performance management and team development experience. You will have exceptional communication, negotiation and resolution skills (particularly as you will be working with both the general public and professional agents) and you will have the capacity to investigate complaints. On a practical level, you will have an extensive knowledge of planning legislation and procedures, plus a good knowledge of appeal inquiries and procedures. Crucially you will have the ability to present evidence and advice to stakeholders at all levels. With outstanding leadership skills, you will be keen to share knowledge and to develop the capabilities of the team.

This is a unique opportunity to take your career to the next level. With access to stimulating projects and the full support of a dynamic and friendly team, you will find there is immense scope to learn and develop your professional skills. We will also pay your RTPI professional fees, and you will be encouraged to take on training and development opportunities. Flexible working options are offered so that you can balance your career with your home commitments, and we will also provide you with generous annual leave. Further enhanced by a highly desirable benefits package that includes staff discounts, a competitive salary and an excellent local government pension scheme, we are confident that you will find plenty to enjoy as part of our team.

Apply online by clicking on the 'Apply Button' or contact us on personnel@west-norfolk.gov.uk.

To find out more about your future in West Norfolk visit www.workinginwestnorfolk.co.uk

Closing Date: 22 August 2022

Interview Date: 1 September 2022