At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape a vibrant Town Centre Strategy and engage in exciting regeneration projects.
- Company: Ipswich Borough Council, a dynamic local authority focused on growth and culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborate with great colleagues and enjoy personal and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join us to make a real impact on Ipswich's cultural and urban landscape.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or diploma in planning, with a passion for town centre policy.
The predicted salary is between 41777 - 43675 € per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Ipswich Borough Council at the start of the Local Plan making journey under the new plan-making system and progress a programme of town centre regeneration. Following a re-structure and in light of these exciting workstreams, we are looking to expand our team with motivated, ambitious planners.
Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regional centres in England and is the largest centre in Suffolk for business, culture, entertainment and sports. A university town with a rich culture, heritage, elite sports teams and a thriving Waterfront. It is well connected to London and other parts of the country through strategic rail and road links. The town is entering an important period, with the Council prioritising the delivery of a Town Centre Strategy and supporting the Ipswich City of Culture bid. Backed by successful Towns Fund investment and a strong regeneration pipeline, Ipswich offers a unique opportunity to help shape a vibrant, resilient and culturally rich town centre.
The role primarily involves shaping a new people centred Town Centre Strategy and the preparation of evidence base studies, monitoring and engagement to progress into the next Ipswich Local Plan, which is due to commence in 2026. By joining us now, you will play a key role from the earliest stages. There is also significant opportunity to work collaboratively with neighbouring local authorities and Suffolk County Council on strategic planning matters.
This role will allow the successful candidate the opportunity to further develop their skill set providing analysis and working to support other officers; report writing; project management; the opportunity to write guidance to expand on planning policy, and to get involved in helping to deliver allocations and regeneration by working with developers and site owners as well as input into master-planning larger sites. In addition, the role will also afford the opportunity to work closely with the Council’s busy Development Management team.
We’re looking for a motivated and proactive Town Planner with:
- a relevant degree or post graduate diploma or an NVQ Level 6 qualification in planning or a relevant field ideally Local Plan making experience.
- Experience of, or a strong interest in, town centre policy, regeneration and place-based planning.
- Effective project management and workload skills with a genuine passion for improving our built environment.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with key stakeholders.
As well as a good salary, we offer:
- a career grade average pension scheme
- generous holiday and sick pay entitlements
- subsidised parking for work and leisure
- public transport discounts
- free swimming and gym membership
- cycle purchase scheme
- plenty of personal and professional development opportunities
- flexible working / hybrid working opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- the opportunity to work with great colleagues.
For more information, please contact Anna Roe, Planning Policy Team Leader on 01473 432911 or via email at anna.roe@ipswich.gov.uk or Matt Deakin on 01473 432490 or via email at matt.deakin@ipswich.gov.uk.
To apply online, visit Home - Ambition Ipswich where you can complete the online application form for this vacancy. If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process, please let us know so that the appropriate arrangements can be put in place. The selection process will involve an on-site assessment test for candidates who are selected for interview. Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and/or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications. Please note CVs are not accepted.
Closing date: 14 June 2026
Interview date: week commencing 29 June 2026 (at Grafton House, Ipswich).
Senior Planning Officer in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Ipswich Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ipswich's town centre. With a strong focus on employee development, generous benefits including a career-grade pension scheme, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth, you will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to enhancing the community's built environment. Located in a vibrant university town with rich cultural heritage and excellent transport links, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to meaningful regeneration projects while enjoying a supportive workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Ipswich Borough Council and its current projects. Familiarise yourself with the Town Centre Strategy and the City of Culture bid. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills can contribute to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend local planning events. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for that on-site assessment test! Brush up on your project management skills and be ready to showcase your analytical abilities. Practising common planning scenarios can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Ipswich Borough Council. Don’t forget to highlight your passion for town centre regeneration!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Officer in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Senior Planning Officer role. We want to see how your background fits into our exciting plans for Ipswich!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for town centre regeneration and planning shine through in your written application. We’re looking for candidates who genuinely care about improving our built environment and can convey that passion effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Follow the Application Process:Remember to apply through our website as instructed! We won’t accept CVs, so make sure you complete the online application form. This helps us streamline the process and ensures we don’t miss any important details.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Local Plan making process and the specifics of town centre regeneration. Brush up on Ipswich's current projects and challenges, as this will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your project management experience and communication skills. Think about times when you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders or contributed to planning policies, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the Council’s Town Centre Strategy and how you can contribute. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your passion for improving the built environment and your vision for Ipswich’s future, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
