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- Tasks: Evaluate planning applications and provide advice to shape sustainable communities.
- Company: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to building vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Generous leave, competitive pension, health care options, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with great opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community 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
Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
Salary: 31,537 - 36,363 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent post or Fixed Term/Secondment for 12 months
This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
Join our team
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 Councils 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.
For more information
If you wish to discuss the hybrid working approach for this role, or for an informal discussion, please contact Julie Havard, Business Practice Manager.
Please read the Job Description and the Person Specification before applying for this job opportunity.
Closing date: 5.00 pm, 26 May 2026.
How to apply
Please ensure your application form is fully completed, including employment and education history. Your supporting statement clearly addresses how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification.
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, Ipswich employer: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Contact Detail:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officers, Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on local planning policies and recent developments in the area. Being able to discuss these topics will impress the interviewers and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be liaising with various stakeholders, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨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, Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. This will help you understand what we're looking for and how you can tailor your application to show us you're the right fit.
Show Off Your Skills: When writing your supporting statement, make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Planning Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see how you meet the criteria.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure 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 Councils
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Familiarise yourself with the local planning policies and regulations relevant to Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. This will not only show your interest in the role but also help you articulate how you can contribute to the team’s objectives during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Planning Officer, effective communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information to stakeholders or collaborated with teams. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with planning agents and community members.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about past experiences where you had to evaluate planning applications or provide pre-application advice, and be ready to discuss your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the councils' goals. Inquire about the challenges they face in planning or how they measure success in their projects. This shows your genuine interest and proactive mindset.