We welcome applications from everyone. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people and people from minority ethnic and minority sexual orientation groups because they are under-represented in this Directorate.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our small and dedicated team of planners, working within the Major Projects and Planning Team, at Suffolk County Council (SCC) as a Senior Planner.

This is your chance to help protect and shape the beautiful county of Suffolk.

You will be based at our HQ at Endeavour House, Ipswich with hybrid working options including some working from home.

In this role you will be helping to tackle some of the country’s biggest challenges. 

You will be responsible for influencing policy that protects our natural environment, tackles climate change and delivers the infrastructure needed to support new homes and workplaces for our communities.

You will work closely with District, Borough and Broads Authorities across the county to ensure that Local and Neighbourhood Plans support the delivery of new schools and libraries, address traffic congestion, promote a shift towards sustainable travel, take action on climate change, enhance biodiversity and our natural environment and promote the health and wellbeing of all people living and working in Suffolk.

The role involves collaboration with many of the county council’s service areas, including education, highways, floods, archaeology, libraries, public rights of way and public health amongst others. You will work alongside these specialist service areas, gaining valuable insight into what it takes to build communities that function and thrive.

As part of a varied and flexible team you will also have the opportunity to work on the county’s largest development schemes; ensuring they each deliver vital infrastructure as well as securing developer contributions, through S106 and CIL to mitigate off site impacts. These schemes include NSIPs, of which Suffolk currently is providing a regional centre of excellence owing to the large number of projects.

Through work on both policy formation and major development schemes, you will also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience of representing the county council at examinations, hearings and public inquires.

The county council planning team also acts as the Minerals and Waste Authority for Suffolk. This role will include work on the review of the Minerals and Waste Local Plan as well as providing policy advice to District and Borough Council’s on minerals and waste matters.

You will need:

•a degree in a development-related discipline (e.g. planning, transport, housing)

•the qualifications necessary for membership of a relevant professional organisation

•chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (desirable)

•a post graduate qualification in a related discipline (e.g economic development) (desirable).

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

We will offer you:

•flexible working options to support you, your work-life balance and, career including a mix of home and office working

•opportunities for learning in your role

•a great benefits package, see below.

Travel and workplace requirements:

We positively encourage the use of technology to communicate, but on occasions, there may be a requirement for you to travel to locations away from your contractual base, using reasonable and suitable means available to you. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability to meet the travel requirements of this role, please speak with the contact detailed below.

This role supports hybrid working, a broadly even balance between working from home and working from an office base. Please speak with the contact detailed below if you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements. #LI-Hybrid

For more information

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Natalie Winspear by calling 01473 265456 (9am - 3pm Monday-Wednesday).

How to apply

To apply: CLICK APPLY BELOW

We offer a fantastic, inclusive working environment including diverse and active staff networks, great flexible working options and many benefits, as well as the opportunity to improve the lives of Suffolk residents.

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. We are also committed to flexible working. 

Suffolk County Council - welcoming diversity.