Overview
East Suffolk Council is looking for an Assistant Planner or Planner to join our Development Management Team. The salary ranges are listed below and the role is a permanent, full-time position (37 hours per week) based in Lowestoft or Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk.
About the roles
Working in the Development Management Team, you will be involved in a wide range of planning issues and will manage and assess planning applications, pre-application submissions and appeals in accordance with planning law, national and local policy and guidance. You will work with applicants, other professionals and communities to negotiate and achieve good quality planning outcomes. The post will require some planning enforcement duties, as assigned, taking account of relevant legislation, policies and procedures of the Council. At Planner level you will take a central role in projects, alongside and supported by Senior Planners and Principal Planners. At Assistant Planner level you would be involved in a similar range of projects at an appropriate level and with the support of the team to develop your planning knowledge and skills.
The Assistant Planner role provides an opportunity to attain a planning post-graduate qualification providing access to progress to Planner level and to become a full member of the RTPI. If you have a first degree in geography, social sciences or a related subject (other disciplines will also often be considered) this is an exciting opportunity to take forward your existing knowledge, skills and interests and embark on a career as a planner.
You will be a passionate and committed individual, who has the ability to deliver in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
If you think you might have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don't meet all of the essential requirements, we want to hear from you and look forward to having the opportunity to consider your application.
Why work for East Suffolk
We offer flexible and remote working in a dynamic team, with good transport links to Norwich and Ipswich. East Suffolk is a diverse district with urban and rural areas and ambitions for growth, including new garden neighbourhoods, regeneration projects and energy and infrastructure developments.
Benefits
* Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays)
* Local government pension scheme
* Flexible working arrangements
* Learning and development tailored to your role
* Staff support networks including health and wellbeing initiatives
* Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and more
Find more information about what we offer in our benefits brochure (pdf).
For more information
For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Joe Blackmore, Planning Manager (Development Management) by emailing joe.blackmore@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.
Closing date: 5pm, 19 September 2025.
Interview date: Week commencing 29 September 2025.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification (Word).
Step 2 - Complete the Supporting Statement template (Word). Your statement should indicate how you meet each criterion in the Person Specification. Please use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted).
Step 3 - Complete the online application and upload your statement. CVs are not accepted.
For more information, check the How to Apply section of our Career Site.
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work with a commitment to investing in staff and providing a positive culture and rewarding careers.
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