At a Glance
- 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, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- 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
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 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.
For more information, visit our Employee Benefits page.
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.
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 District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer generous leave entitlements, competitive pension schemes, and flexible working arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance. Our picturesque location in Suffolk, known for its conservation areas and vibrant communities, provides a unique backdrop for meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of our residents.
Contact Detail:
Babergh District Council 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 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
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, ensuring you cover all the necessary details without unnecessary fluff. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly.
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 District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
✨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 knowledge aligns with their objectives will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, 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 capability.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Planning Officer, effective communication is key. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with stakeholders in the past. Practising clear and concise responses will help you convey your ideas effectively during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Community Development
Express your enthusiasm for shaping environments and fostering sustainable growth. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to community development, as this aligns perfectly with the councils' values.
