At a Glance
- Tasks: Examine 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, competitive pension, health care options, and flexible working arrangements.
- 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: Keen interest in planning, strong communication skills, and IT proficiency required.
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.
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.
Planning Officers in Ipswich employer: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils offer a dynamic and supportive work environment in Ipswich, 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, we empower our Planning Officers to thrive while fostering sustainable growth in one of the UK's most picturesque regions. Join us to be part of a collaborative team dedicated to shaping the future of our districts.
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
✨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 practising common questions related to planning policies and community needs. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for planning! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've engaged with community projects or demonstrated your interest in sustainable growth. It’ll make you stand out!
✨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 seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officers in Ipswich
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 how your background fits with our values and the specific requirements of the job.
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 articulate how your skills align with their objectives during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially regarding planning applications. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges or provided sound advice, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge and solutions-focused mindset.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Planning Officer, effective communication is key. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with stakeholders in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to convey complex information clearly, whether in writing or verbally, as this is crucial for liaising with planning agents and applicants.
✨Express Your Passion for Community Development
Convey your enthusiasm for shaping sustainable communities and how you can contribute to the councils' vision. Share your thoughts on the importance of balancing development needs with community interests, which will resonate well with their values and mission.
