At a Glance
- Tasks: Examine 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, wellbeing support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- 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. If you share our values and 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, 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.
- Carry out site visits and attend 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.
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.
How to apply
Please ensure your application form is fully completed, including employment and education history. Your supporting statement should clearly address 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 in Suffolk employer: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being of its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous leave entitlements, and flexible working arrangements, we empower our Planning Officers to make a meaningful impact in shaping vibrant communities across our picturesque districts. Join us in making a difference while enjoying the benefits of working in one of the UK's top 50 places to live.
Contact Detail:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officers, Ipswich in Suffolk
✨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 that interview! Research common questions for Planning Officers and think about how your skills align with their values. Practise your answers with a mate to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for planning! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've engaged with community projects or sustainability initiatives. This will highlight your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officers, Ipswich in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: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.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure it clearly addresses how you meet the criteria in the person specification. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and passion for planning.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Familiarise yourself with the Town and Country Planning Acts and the specific policies of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their policies will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in making a positive impact on the community.
✨Prepare for Site Visits
Since the role involves site visits, think about how you would approach these. Be ready to discuss your understanding of spatial constraints and how you would assess planning applications on-site. This shows that you can think practically and are prepared for the hands-on aspects of the job.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an effective communicator, you’ll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information in the past, whether in meetings or through written reports. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively within the team.
✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit
Highlight your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Share experiences where you’ve contributed to team goals or collaborated on projects. This will resonate well with their values of collaboration and partnership working, showing that you’re a great fit for their culture.
