Overview
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people’s lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk.
We currently have a new opportunity to join East Suffolk Council’s Planning Policy and Delivery Team as a Principal Planner.
East Suffolk is a large and diverse district, ranging from port towns to countryside and coast, with a substantial part of the area within the Suffolk and Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape. There are ambitious plans for growth, including large-scale garden neighbourhoods/villages, regeneration projects, and major national energy and infrastructure projects.
We are starting work on a new Local Plan and will be preparing it in the new plan-making system. You will work closely with local communities, Members, partner organisations and neighbouring authorities to shape and navigate these opportunities.
Responsibilities
* Lead and inspire a skilled team of planning professionals and technical staff.
* Oversee the preparation, monitoring and delivery of Local Plans and guidance documents.
* Manage recruitment, development, performance, and continuous improvement within the Planning Policy and Delivery team.
* Shape and drive the Council’s approach to Neighbourhood Planning and support communities to bring forward Neighbourhood Plans.
* Represent the Council’s input to strategic planning matters through Spatial Development Strategies.
* Engage with local communities, Members, partner organisations and neighbouring authorities to inform planning strategies for growth.
Essential Requirements
* A relevant and accredited Degree in Town and Country Planning.
* Full Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or progression towards APC within six months of appointment.
* A strong commitment to professional development and supporting the growth of others.
* You must be mobile and have access to a car to attend meetings across diverse sites and locations.
Desirable/Additional Information
You will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative team committed to delivering high-quality outcomes in a dynamic district with significant growth plans.
Benefits
* Generous leave entitlement (25 days per year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years, plus bank holidays).
* Local government pension scheme.
* Flexible working arrangements.
* Learning and development tailored to your role.
* Support networks including health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
* Discounts on various products and services.
Additional Information
Closing date: 1.00 pm, 27 February 2026
Interview date: 18 and 19 March 2026
How to Apply
1. Step 1 - Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification (Word).
2. Step 2 - Complete the Supporting Statement template (Word). Your statement should indicate how you meet each criterion in the Person Specification.
3. Step 3 - Complete the online application and upload your statement. CVs are not accepted.
For more information, check out the How to Apply section of our career site.
Contact
For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Andrea McMillan, Planning Manager (Policy and Delivery), by calling 01394 444567 or emailing andrea.mcmillan@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.
Location and Salary
Address: East Suffolk House, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1RT and Riverside, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0EQ
Salary: £54,495 - £58,809 per annum (Band 10)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
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