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Graduate Urban Planner
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Shape places, build communities and gain a professional planning qualification
Are you looking to start or accelerate a career in planning while gaining a fully funded master's degree and professional qualification?
Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council are offering an exciting opportunity to join one of the largest and most diverse planning services in Norfolk. This three-year development programme combines practical planning experience with a fully funded RTPI-accredited Level 7 master's apprenticeship qualification, allowing you to earn while you learn and develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a successful planning career.
As a Planning Apprentice within our Development Management team, you will play a direct role in shaping communities, supporting sustainable growth and helping deliver homes, employment opportunities and infrastructure across Norfolk.
This is much more than a graduate training role. You will manage your own caseload as your experience grows, work alongside experienced planners and specialists, and gain exposure to the wide range of challenges and opportunities facing modern planning services.
What you will be doing
- Assist on a varied caseload of planning applications, initially focused on householder and other smaller-scale development proposals.
- Undertake site visits and assessments.
- Liaise with applicants, agents, consultees, residents and elected members.
- Draft planning reports and recommendations.
- Support appeals work and planning investigations.
- Help deliver high-quality planning decisions that balance growth, environmental protection and community interests.
There may also be opportunities to gain experience across the wider planning service, including: Planning Enforcement and Compliance; Biodiversity Net Gain; Nutrient Neutrality; Design and Place-Making; Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 Delivery; Planning Policy and Place Shaping; Monitoring and Infrastructure Planning.
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The precise mix of experience will depend on service priorities and business needs, but our aim is to provide a broad understanding of the planning profession and help you develop into a well-rounded planning practitioner.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual who is passionate about places, communities and shaping the future.
You will need:
- A relevant degree or qualification that allows entry onto an RTPI-accredited Level 7 planning apprenticeship programme.
- The ability and commitment to undertake postgraduate study alongside employment, attending classes at Anglia Ruskin University during term time. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- An analytical approach and ability to interpret plans, policies and technical information.
- A collaborative approach and willingness to learn.
- The ability to travel across the district as required.
Appointment will be subject to successful enrolment on the relevant master's programme.
What you will gain
Alongside a competitive salary, you'll receive:
- A fully funded RTPI-accredited Level 7 master's qualification.
- Dedicated study time as part of your working week.
- Structured support from experienced planning professionals.
- A three-year programme combining academic study and practical experience.
- Exposure to a wide range of planning disciplines and specialist areas.
- Opportunities to build professional networks across local government and the wider planning sector.
- Valuable experience that supports progression towards Chartered Town Planner status.
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This is an excellent opportunity for graduates or career changers who want to gain a recognised professional qualification while making a real difference to local communities.
Why Join Broadland and South Norfolk's Planning Team?
Between us, we cover a large and diverse area surrounding the city of Norwich, including thriving market towns, villages, rural communities and major growth locations.
Each year we determine around 4,000 planning applications ranging from household extensions through to major housing, commercial and infrastructure developments. Our area includes high-quality landscapes, historic market towns, conservation areas, listed buildings and significant environmental assets.
We are at the forefront of delivering growth through the Greater Norwich Partnership, helping to plan and deliver new homes, jobs and infrastructure while protecting and enhancing what makes Norfolk special.
Closing Date: 13th October 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
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.
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