Senior Planning Policy Officer Ref: 02-26

Job Advert

Senior Planning Policy Officer - Ref: 02-26

Salary: Grade 7, (£38,519-£44,760) per annum

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Place of Work: Dereham (remote enabled) - Staff will be required to attend site at least 2 days per week

Basis: Permanent

Would you like a job where what you do:

Makes a difference to a large area for residents and business?
Allows you to develop your skills and encourage others?
Creates a lasting legacy which will impact generations to come?

We are seeking a Senior Planning Policy Officer to Contribute to the update of the Council's Local Plan (and/or its successor) and also take a lead role on the production of individual documents/evidence bases within and informing the Local Plan to meet the milestones in the local development scheme.

You will:

Contribute to the update of the Council's Local Plan (and/or its successor) and also take a lead role on the production of individual documents/evidence bases within and informing the Local Plan to meet the milestones in the local development scheme;
Take a lead on the commissioning, management and review of studies or advisory services from external consultants;
Support the production of Neighbourhood Development Plans throughout the production process including new designations for Neighbourhood Areas.
Support the preparation and adoption/approval and implementation of other planning documents and plans - including strategies, action plans, planning briefs, supplementary guidance, proofs of evidence, press releases and consultation material;
Undertake and manage consultation processes on development plan and other documents in agreement with the Planning Policy Manager and/or the Head of Planning;
Take a lead on environmental issues in relation to planning and support and advise the Council on these matters
Represent the Council at Norfolk Strategic Planning Groups and Strategic Environmental Groups to advise the Council on these matters.
Prepare and present reports to Committees, officer groups, public meetings / consultations and Inspectorate examinations; (This may require evening and / or weekend work)
Provide support and advice to the development management team, on strategically important planning applications, enforcement and appeals;
Keep up to date with current legislation and policy changes, including CPD requirements;
Be a mentor and provide guidance and support to other members of the planning policy team
Such other duties as may, from time to time, be allocated appropriate to the grade and contributing to the purpose and objectives of the post

About you:

Collaborative

I look for ways to work in partnership and listen supportively to the ideas of others, building on their ideas, while sharing my views and knowledge.
I recognise the skills, talent and experience of others and reach out to them for their contribution and input.

Ambitious

I always ask myself, 'How could we do this better?', taking ownership of change and helping others to understand, adapt, implement and embed it.
I have an open mindset, take risks and explore new ways of doing things.
I am a proud ambassador, taking pride and responsibility for the work we do and encouraging others to do the same.

Results-driven

I make sure I am clear on what I need to achieve, keeping a focus on results and solutions.
I am driven, showing courage and resilience even when things don't go to plan.

Empowering

I ask for help and support when needed, and take responsibility if things don't go well, learning from it for my own and for the organisation's development.

Supportive

I treat others as I would want to be treated myself, ensuring that I am welcoming, friendly and approachable.
I give time to colleagues who need help or support.

OK, I'm interested...but is it really the job for me?

As our Senior Planning Policy Officer you will have:

Experience of working in planning in a public or private sector environment;
Proven experience of delivering Local Plan and related documents;
A thorough knowledge of current planning legislation regulations and guidance relevant to planning policy;
The ability to consider a wide range of complex issues and balance those issues to make a clear and reasoned judgement;
Good verbal and written communication skills with experience of preparing reports and presentations;
The ability to prioritise and proactively manage workloads working to key deadlines
Hold a current driving licence and access to your own vehicle

Closing date: 17 April 2026