Senior Planner - Planning Policy

Ipswich Borough Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Ipswich is seeking an enthusiastic Town Planner to join their team. The role involves preparing evidence studies and supporting the development of the Ipswich Local Plan. Candidates should have a relevant degree, effective project management skills, and a passion for improving the built environment. Attractive benefits include a pension scheme, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Career grade pension scheme

Generous holiday and sick pay

Subsidised parking

Public transport discounts

Free swimming and gym membership

Cycle purchase scheme

Professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and proactive Town Planner with relevant education.
• Previous Local Plan making experience is preferred.
• Membership in RTPI is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare evidence-based studies and support the Ipswich Local Plan.
• Collaborate with local authorities on strategic planning.
• Work with Development Management team.

Skills

Project management

Strong communication

Collaboration with stakeholders

Proactive approach

Education

Relevant degree or post-graduate diploma in planning

NVQ Level 6 qualification in planning

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

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 2025/6, 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 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 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.

Qualifications

We’re looking for an enthusiastic 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 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.

Benefits

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 and the opportunity to work with great colleagues.

Contact

Please contact the Planning Policy Team Leader, Anna Roe on 01473 432911 or via email at [e-mail] or Head of Planning and Development, James Mann, via email at [e-mail].

Application Information

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.

Closing Date midnight on 4 January 2026.

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.