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, pension scheme, 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: 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.
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 Suffolk 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 benefits, including flexible working arrangements, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive culture that values the contributions of every team member. Located in the heart of Suffolk, our councils are passionate about enhancing the quality of life for our residents while providing a fulfilling career path for our staff.
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 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 us insider info about the team culture and what they really value in a Planning Officer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local planning policies and recent developments in the area. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in shaping the community and have done your homework!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! During interviews, be ready to discuss how you would handle stakeholder meetings or provide pre-application advice. We love candidates who can articulate their 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 by the right people. Plus, it shows us 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 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 sustainable growth.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Planning Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, especially in report writing and effective communication, as these are key to success in this position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. This will help us see your thought process and how you approach planning challenges.
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 local planning policies and regulations relevant to Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. This will not only show your commitment 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 collaborate and engage with various parties involved in the planning process.
✨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.
✨Express Your Passion for Community Development
Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for shaping communities and sustainable growth. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest in community development, as this aligns with the values of the councils and their mission.
