Senior Planner (Policy and Delivery) or Assistant Planner / Planner (Policy and Delivery)

• East Suffolk Council, Lowestoft NR33 0EQ or Melton, Suffolk IP12 1RT
• Senior Planner: £42,708 – £46,731 (or Assistant Planner / Planner: £30,559 – £41,511 per annum (career grade))
• 37 hours per week
• Permanent

Would you like to help shape the future of East Suffolk? Are you looking for a new challenge? We are currently looking for a Senior Planner to join our Planning Policy and Delivery Team. We will also consider appointing at Assistant Planner or Planner level for the right candidate (further details below).

With a population of a quarter of a million people, East Suffolk is a large and diverse district, ranging from the significant port towns of Felixstowe and Lowestoft, to picturesque market towns, to stunning countryside and coastline, with a substantial part of the area falling within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Working alongside several other planning professionals in the team you will have a key role in the preparation, monitoring, implementation and interpretation of Local Plans and guidance documents, as well as supporting communities in preparing and delivering Neighbourhood Plans.

It is an exciting time to join us in East Suffolk. There are already ambitious plans for growth coming forward across the district including new garden neighbourhoods and villages, regeneration projects and economic growth, alongside several nationally significant energy and infrastructure projects. Alongside this, the delivery of a variety of residential and employment development sites, enhancing and sustaining market towns, supporting rural areas and addressing coastal change are just some of the planning challenges and opportunities in the district.

We will shortly be starting work on a new Local Plan for East Suffolk. Joining our team now, you will be involved in the preparation of the Local Plan from the outset, helping to shape the strategy and direction in planning for future growth and balancing the variety of considerations that a diverse district brings.

You will be a motivated and committed individual, who has the ability to deliver in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. At Senior level you will be expected to bring knowledge and experience in a range of planning issues, and you will have plenty of opportunity to apply this not only to your own workload, but also in mentoring more junior members of the team.

At Planner level (£34,314 – £41,511 pa) you would be involved in a similar range and breadth of exciting projects and be expected to lead on and manage some projects; however, post-qualification experience is not necessary and you will be supported by the Senior and Principal Planners in the team.

The Assistant Planner role provides an opportunity for you to attain a planning post-graduate qualification providing access to progress to Planner level and to become a full member of the RTPI. At Assistant Planner level (£30,559 – £33,366 pa), you would also be involved in a similar range and breadth of projects, at an appropriate level and with the support of senior members of the team to develop your knowledge and skills.

If you think you might have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all of the essential requirements, we want to hear from you and look forward to having the opportunity to consider your application.

The majority of our teams are working in an agile way, with a mixture of home and office working, depending on individual preferences and service requirements. If you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements if you were the successful candidate, please contact the recruiting manager listed at the bottom of this advert.

For more information

For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Andrea McMillan , Planning Manager (Policy, Delivery and Specialist Services), on 01394 444567 or email .

Closing date: 1pm, 12 March 2025.

Interview date: Week commencing 31 March 2025.

How to apply

Step 1 – Read the advert and the Senior Planner Job Description and Person Specification (docx) or Assistant Planner / Planner Job Description and Person Specification (docx)

Step 2 – Complete the Supporting Statement template (docx) . Your statement needs to indicate how you meet each of the criteria contained within the Person Specification. Please use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted).

Step 3 – Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs are not accepted.

East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people’s lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk.

We hugely value our staff and know that in order for us to remain successful, it is essential for us to recognise talented employees, developing and retaining them within the organisation. We are therefore committed to investing in our staff and providing first-class support to ensure a positive culture and rewarding careers.

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