Senior Planner

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in England seeks a motivated Senior Planner to contribute to the preparation of the Ipswich Local Plan. The role focuses on strategic planning and collaboration with developers, offering a chance to shape the town's future. Applicants should have a relevant degree, project management skills, and preferably experience in Local Plan making. A competitive benefits package and hybrid working options are provided.

Benefits

Career average pension scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Full RTPI membership fee paid

Gym membership

Flexibility to work from home

Travel benefits

Cycle-to-work scheme

Subsidised parking

Qualifications

• Experience in Local Plan making is ideal.
• Must be a member of the RTPI.
• Genuine passion for improving built environments required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare evidence base studies for the Local Plan.
• Collaborate with local authorities on strategic planning.
• Work with developers on planning policy implementations.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Collaborative skills

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

Ipswich Borough Council

• Ipswich Borough Council
• Address: Grafton House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2DE
• Salary: £34,721 - £36,072 per annum pro rata
• Hours: 29.6 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible
• Reference: 0507

Ipswich Borough Council's Planning Department is looking for a motivated, ambitious Senior Planner to join our Planning Policy Team. An exciting opportunity to join us at the start of Local Plan making journey under the new plan-making system.

About Ipswich

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 history and heritage and a thriving Waterfront. Backed by successful Towns Fund bids there are a wealth of exciting opportunities in the pipeline.

About the role

The role primarily involves the preparation of evidence base studies, monitoring and supporting the preparation of the next Ipswich Local Plan, which is due to commence in 2025 - 2026 and by joining us now, you will play a key role from the very beginning.

There is also significant opportunity to work collaboratively with neighbouring local authorities and Suffolk County Council on strategic planning matters. This role will allow you the opportunity to further develop your 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 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.

About you

We're looking for a motivated and proactive person with a relevant degree or post graduate diploma or an NVQ Level 6 qualification in planning or a relevant field.

Ideally you will have previous Local Plan making experience.

Given the increased housing numbers and emphasis for growth nationwide, we are looking for a candidate with experience of, or keen interest in, housing as a topic area. Further, to support a future Examination in Public we are keen to ensure candidates are members of the RTPI.

Effective project management skills and a genuine passion for improving our built environment are a must. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with key stakeholders are essential.

Why work for us?

Your hard work will be rewarded with a fantastic benefits package, including:

• a career average pension scheme
• generous holiday entitlement of 26 days (increasing to 32 days after five years of service)
• full payment of annual RTPI membership subscriptions
• free swimming and gym membership
• flexibility to work from home and in the office
• excellent travel benefits, including free travel on Ipswich Buses, discounts on Greater Anglia rail season and flexi-season tickets
• access to a cycle-to-work scheme
• subsidised parking in Ipswich Borough Council car parks for work and leisure.

We're all about growth, so personal and professional development opportunities abound. Plus, we've got a supportive Employee Assistance Program to help you along the way.

Join our vibrant team for hybrid working and seize the chance to shape Ipswich's future. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a growing department that's making Ipswich an even better place to live!

For more information

Please read the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf).

Please contact Anna Roe, Planning Policy Team Leader by either calling 01473 432911 or by emailing [e-mail] or James Mann, Head of Planning and Development by emailing [e-mail].

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.

How to apply

Please submit your application by visiting our recruitment website.

Closing date: 11.55pm, 25 December 2025.

The selection process will involve a prepared exercise (which will be sent to you if you are selected for interview) involving a presentation to the Interview Panel. Interviews are proposed to take place week commencing 12 January 2026 at Grafton House, Ipswich.

Please note CV's are not accepted.

About the Team

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