Principal Planning Policy Officer
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
Salary: £45,091–£52,413 per annum (plus Market Supplement, pro‑rata for part‑time)
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
This role is open to full‑time, part‑time, and job‑share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
About the Role
The Principal Planning Policy Officer will lead on a range of planning policy matters within the Joint Local Plan Review, shaping communities and places in Babergh and Mid Suffolk for the future.
* Major and strategic site allocation
* Managing external consultants on evidence base and appraisal development
* Providing expert planning policy advice
* Mentoring members of the planning team
* Working collaboratively across the two councils and with external partners (councillors, local authorities, Suffolk County Council, infrastructure providers)
* Engagement with the community and support for neighbourhood development plans
* Supporting the delivery of the councils’ corporate objectives
About You
We are looking for a motivated planner with the following background and skills:
* Degree‑level education in an appropriate discipline, with significant spatial planning policy experience
* Desirable membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute
* Extensive knowledge of Local Government practice and procedures
* Experience procuring and managing external consultants and a solid understanding of the plan‑making process
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships
* Strong project management and organisational skills
* Good IT skills and extensive experience with modern Microsoft products
About Us
We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are known for collaborative partnership working across public, private, and voluntary sectors.
* 60 conservation areas
* Two National Landscapes
* Many picturesque market towns
We are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits
* Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 after 5 years)
* Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
* Wellbeing support and Employee Assistance Programs
* Private Health Care Options
* Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
* Paid volunteering days
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (subject to business needs)
* Great learning and development opportunities
Ways of Working
We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based on business need. This arrangement supports flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive.
Contact
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact
* Robert Hobbs – Phone: 01449 724812, Email: robert.hobbs@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
* Caileigh Gorzelak – Phone: 01449 724595, Email: caileigh.gorzelak@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
Application Process
Step 1 – Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification.
Step 2 – Complete the Supporting Statement template.
Step 3 – Complete the online application and upload your statement.
Your statement must:
* Show how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification
* Be no more than 2 sides of A4
* Use the provided template (other formats will not be accepted)
The application will be reviewed through the week beginning 12 January 2026. Closing Date: 5.00 PM, Tuesday, 06 January 2026.
Safeguarding Statement
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
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