Aspiring Planner: RTPI-Path in Development Management

East Suffolk; Lowestoft; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

East Suffolk Council is seeking a Trainee/Assistant Planner to join the Development Management Team in Lowestoft, with a clear route to Chartered Membership of the RTPI. The role supports studying an RTPI-accredited Planning Master's degree while gaining practical planning experience.

You will handle a varied caseload, provide pre-application advice, and collaborate with stakeholders across the Council to deliver high-quality development outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience in a planning-related environment within the public or private sector.
• Progression towards RTPI membership (MRTPI) or related qualifications.
• Strong understanding of planning law, policy, development management, enforcement and environmental assessment processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of planning applications from householder to more complex proposals.
• Provide pre-application advice and engage with applicants, developers, agents and consultees.
• Draft delegated and committee reports and decision notices; negotiate planning obligations.
• Present at Planning Committee and support planning appeals and enforcement investigations.

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Planning-related master’s qualification

RTPI membership (Student/Licentiate/MRTPI)

Tools

Uniform

IDOX

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

East Suffolk Council is seeking a Trainee/Assistant Planner to join the Development Management Team in Lowestoft, with a clear route to Chartered Membership of the RTPI. The role supports studying an RTPI-accredited Planning Master's degree while gaining practical planning experience.

You will handle a varied caseload, provide pre-application advice, and collaborate with stakeholders across the Council to deliver high-quality development outcomes.