West Suffolk Council
* 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: 37 hours per week
* Contract: Permanent
* Reference: 0787
West Suffolk Council are seeking a highly self‑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. You will attend and present papers to Working Groups, Cabinet and Portfolio Holders as required.
About the team
Planning is about making the best use of land and creating places where people want to live, work and play.
Through the preparation and implementation of land‑use planning policies and guidance, our work unlocks growth, contributes significantly towards our corporate priorities and strives to protect and improve the built and natural environment. We have a strong track record of delivering Local Plans, with a recently adopted Local Plan. The team is friendly, experienced and supportive, and we are currently at an exciting time in commencing the 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. Recent recruitment in planning policy and specialist roles places us in a great position to develop your skills and knowledge.
What you will need
* Up to date knowledge of planning legislation.
* A degree in planning or a related subject and eligibility 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 use of IT and Microsoft applications.
* 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?
* Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 29 days after 5 years (prorated if part‑time) plus bank holidays. Options to buy up to 10 extra days subject to approval.
* Generous pension scheme – a contribution between 5.5% and 6.8% (depending on salary) with council matching at 16.4%.
* Life assurance – a payment of three times your annual salary.
* Flexible working options to enable work/life balance.
* Agile working – the ability to work in the office and from home.
* Access to a unique employee benefits package, including 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 a 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 that inspires staff to focus on continuous learning.
* Modern office accommodation.
For more information
Read the following documents: Job Description, Person Specification, Core Values.
How to apply
Contact Boyd Nicholas, Principal Planning Officer (Strategic Planning), by calling 01638 719248 or emailing boyd.nicholas@westsuffolk.gov.uk. Alternatively, complete your online application on the council’s website. Please note we are unable to accept CVs; use the online application process.
Closing date: 11:55 pm, 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.
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