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 growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local environments 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
Planning Officers in Ipswich, Suffolk employer: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils offer an exceptional work environment for Planning Officers, with a strong commitment to professional development and career progression within a supportive team. Located in the picturesque heart of Suffolk, employees enjoy generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, all while contributing to the sustainable growth of vibrant communities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a region celebrated for its natural beauty and community spirit.
Contact Detail:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officers in Ipswich, Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Planning Officers on LinkedIn or at local events. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. Understand their values and recent projects. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Planning Officer, you'll need to explain complex ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing planning concepts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officers in Ipswich, Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the planning process shine through. We want to see how motivated you are to make a difference in our communities and how you can contribute to shaping our environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the role of a Planning Officer. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and potential.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official 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 that Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils adhere to. This will not only show your interest in the role but also help you answer questions about how you would assess planning applications in line with these policies.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a 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 liaise with planning agents and community members effectively.
✨Prepare for Site Visit Scenarios
Since the role involves site visits, think about how you would approach assessing a site. Be ready to discuss what factors you would consider during a site visit and how you would document your findings. This shows your practical understanding of the role.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork and Initiative
Highlight your experience working in teams as well as your ability to take initiative. Share specific examples where you collaborated on projects or took the lead on tasks, as this aligns with the council's values of effective collaboration and community focus.
