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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, pension scheme, 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 to £36,363 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract: 1 Permanent post and 1 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.
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 on 01473 296342 or email Julie.Havard@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk.
Please read the Job Description and the Person Specification before applying for this job opportunity. Closing date: 5.00pm, Tuesday 26 May 2026.
How to apply: Please ensure your application form is fully completed, including employment and education history and 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 in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officers in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, their values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to planning and development. Think about how your skills align with the role and be ready to share examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officers in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Planning Officer and how your skills align with our needs.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: When writing your supporting statement, be specific! Address how you meet each criterion in the Person Specification. We want to see how your experience and passion for planning can help us shape our communities.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: As a Planning Officer, effective communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely. This will give us a taste of how you’ll interact with stakeholders.
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 you’re keen on joining our team at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Familiarise yourself with the local planning policies and regulations that Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils adhere to. This will not only show your interest in the role but also help you articulate how your skills align with their 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 the community.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to assess a hypothetical planning application. Practice structuring your responses by outlining your thought process, considering community needs, and how you would liaise with technical officers.
✨Highlight Your IT Proficiency
Since strong IT skills are essential for this role, be ready to discuss your experience with relevant software and tools. If you've done report writing or used planning software, share specific examples to illustrate your capabilities.