At a Glance
- Tasks: Evaluate planning applications and provide advice to shape sustainable communities.
- Company: Join Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to building vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities while developing your career in planning.
- Qualifications: Interest in planning, strong communication skills, and IT proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 36363 € per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are seeking two talented and ambitious Planning Officers to join our busy Development Management Team in Ipswich, Suffolk. You will join us on a full time, permanent post or Fixed Term/Secondment for 12 months. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £31,537 - £36,363 per annum (pro rata for part time). This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
We are seeking two talented and ambitious Planning Officers to join our busy Development Management Team. If you share our values and you are motivated to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.
About the role
This is a Career Grade role, therefore offering fantastic opportunities to develop and progress your career within planning. In this role, you will:
- Examine and evaluate all types of planning applications made under the Town and Country Planning Acts and related legislation.
- Assess whether proposals are in accordance with Council's policies, considering the needs of the local community and liaising with specialist technical officers from other directorates.
- Offer sound pre-application advice in terms of requirements for planning permission, general acceptability of development proposals and in respect of planning policy advice.
- Attend meetings with planning agents/applicants on site and virtually via Microsoft Teams following up with written responses.
- Review site histories, spatial constraints and the current planning regulations to assist with general planning enquiries.
- Require a full driving licence as this role includes carrying out site visits and attending site meetings across our rural districts.
About you
You may be an entry level Planner or a more experienced Planning Officer seeking a fresh challenge or a graduate seeking to gain work experience within a local authority. You will need to demonstrate a keen interest in the Planning process and will be motivated to help us positively shape our environment through fostering sustainable growth and the delivery of the right homes and jobs, in the right places. A team player, also able to work on your own initiative, you will be solutions-focused, with an appetite for effective collaboration. You will be an effective communicator, who can work with our key stakeholders in implementing our spatial vision for the districts as we deliver our new Joint Local Plan for our communities. Strong IT skills are essential and experience in report writing would be advantageous. In return we can offer opportunities for continued professional development and progression within the career grade scheme.
About us
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in. We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with:
- 60 conservation areas
- two National Landscapes
- many picturesque market towns
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
- Private Health Care Options.
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting).
- Great learning and development opportunities.
Our ways of working
We believe work is what we do, not just where we go. We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
Closing date: 5.00 pm, 26 May 2026. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Planning Officer role, even if you don't meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Locations
Community Planning Officer in Ipswich, Suffolk employer: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils offer a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of Suffolk, where you can make a meaningful impact on local communities. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave and wellbeing support, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in shaping sustainable growth and delivering essential services in one of the UK's top places to live.
Contact Detail:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Planning Officer in Ipswich, Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the councils and their recent projects. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the community and how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Planning Officer, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experience and ideas.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates who want to help shape our communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Planning Officer in Ipswich, Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for the planning process. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest in shaping communities and sustainable growth.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Planning Officer role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate straightforward communication! Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to understand, showcasing your effective communication skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Familiarise yourself with the local planning policies and regulations relevant to Babergh and Mid Suffolk. This will not only show your interest in the role but also help you provide informed answers during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Community Planning Officer, effective communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with stakeholders or resolved conflicts in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential planning scenarios you might face and how you would approach them. This will highlight your critical thinking and solutions-focused mindset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the councils' objectives. Inquire about their current projects or future plans for community development to show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
