Senior Planning Policy Officer Address: West Suffolk House, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3YU Salary: £40,777 - £46,142 per annum, plus excellent employee benefits package Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week Contract: Permanent Closing date: 1.00 pm, 5 July 2026 Reference: 23882 West Suffolk Council are seeking a highly self-motivated and motivated Senior Planning Policy Officer to join a successful strategic planning service. About the role This is a key role in the team with a wide range of responsibilities and the opportunity to make a real difference to local communities and the future of the area. You will be responsible for assisting the preparation of the new Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plans, supplementary plans and masterplans including leading on related projects and evidence. Part of the role also involves liaising with outside bodies/stakeholders/interested individuals/expert bodies and statutory consultees in the preparation of the policy framework and attending and presenting papers to Working Groups, Cabinet, and Portfolio Holders, as required. About the team Planning is about making the best use of land and making places where people want to live, work and play. Through preparation and implementation of land use planning policies and guidance, our work unlocks growth, contributing significantly towards our corporate priorities, and strives to protect and improve the built and natural environment. We are a council with an excellent track record in delivering Local Plans with a recently adopted Local Plan. We are friendly and highly experienced team providing a positive and supportive working environment. We are currently at an exciting time in commencing preparation of a new Local Plan working closely with neighbouring authorities in Suffolk. The team includes Ecology, Conservation, Landscape, Urban Design and Planning Policy Officers. We have recently recruited to planning policy and specialist roles within the team, so we are in a great place moving forward. The professional expertise in the wider service and Council makes it a great place to work and opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge. What you will need · Up to date knowledge of planning legislation. · A degree in planning or related subject and be eligible for RTPI membership. · Excellent communication skills for effective teamwork, client and stakeholder engagement, both written and spoken. · Good problem-solving skills. · Attention to detail. · Proficient in using IT and Microsoft. · Ability to manage time, workload and tight deadlines while remaining, focused, calm and professional. · Willingness to learn and share knowledge. · Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of this exciting opportunity. Why work for us? Our benefits include: · Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 29 days after 5 years (pro rata if part time) plus bank holidays (with an option to buy up to 10 extra days each year subject to approval). · Generous pension scheme - contribute between 5.5% and 6.8% (depending on your salary) and the council will contribute 16.4%. · Life assurance – a payment of three times your annual salary. · Flexible working options to enable work/life balance. · Agile working - ability to work in the office and from home. · Access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on supermarkets, high street shops, holidays, mobile phones, electrical goods, savings and loan schemes and many other products and services. · Salary sacrifice benefits including Cycle to Work scheme, Tusker Leased Car Scheme and SmartTech (buy the latest tech products interest free and repay through your monthly salary). · Rail and bus staff discounts. · A range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme. · Discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres. · A culture of learning inspiring staff to focus on continuous learning. · Modern office accommodation. For more information For an informal discussion and further information please contact Boyd Nicholas, Principal Planning Officer (Strategic Planning), by either calling 01638 719248 or emailing boyd.nicholas@westsuffolk.gov.uk How to apply To apply and for further details, please visit: Job profile Please note, we are unable to accept CVs, please follow the online application process to apply. Closing date: 1pm, 5 July 2026. Interview date: 16 July 2026. West Suffolk Council has been rated in the top 10 district councils for climate action (Climate Scorecards 2023) and as a member of UK100 has demonstrated its commitment to a rapid transition to Net Zero with Clean Air in our communities. The council has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and is committed to working towards net zero emissions by 2039.