Job Description
* Ipswich Borough Council
* Address: Grafton House 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2DE
* Salary: £41,777 - £43,675 per annum
* Hours: 37 hours per week
* Contract: Permanent
* Reference: 0744
Overview
This is an exciting opportunity to join Ipswich Borough Council at the start of the Local Plan making journey under the new plan‑making system and to progress a programme of town centre regeneration.
Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regional centres in England and is the largest centre in Suffolk for business, culture, entertainment and sports. A university town with a rich culture, heritage, elite sports teams and a thriving Waterfront. It is well connected to London and other parts of the country through strategic rail and road links.
The town is entering an important period, with the Council prioritising the delivery of a Town Centre Strategy and supporting the Ipswich City of Culture bid. Backed by successful Towns Fund investment and a strong regeneration pipeline, Ipswich offers a unique opportunity to help shape a vibrant, resilient and culturally rich town centre.
Responsibilities
The role primarily involves shaping a new people‑centred Town Centre Strategy and preparing evidence‑based studies, monitoring and engagement to progress into the next Ipswich Local Plan, which is due to commence in 2026. You will play a key role from the earliest stages.
There is also significant opportunity to work collaboratively with neighbouring local authorities and Suffolk County Council on strategic planning matters. The role will allow the successful candidate to further develop their skill set by providing analysis, report writing, project management, writing guidance to expand planning policy, and contributing to allocations and regeneration work with developers and site owners, as well as input into master‑planning larger sites.
In addition, the role will afford the opportunity to work closely with the Council's busy Development Management team.
Qualifications
* A relevant degree, post‑graduate diploma or an NVQ Level 6 qualification in planning or a relevant field.
* Ideally Local Plan making experience.
In the context of a strong corporate emphasis on town centre regeneration and growth, we are keen to hear from candidates with experience of, or a strong interest in, town centre policy, regeneration and place‑based planning. Effective project management and workload skills with a genuine passion for improving our built environment are a must. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with key stakeholders are essential.
Benefits
* A career grade average pension scheme
* Generous holiday and sick pay entitlements
* Subsidised parking for work and leisure
* Public transport discounts
* Free swimming and gym membership
* Cycle purchase scheme
* Plenty of personal and professional development opportunities
* Flexible working / hybrid working opportunities
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Opportunity to work with great colleagues
Contact
Anna Roe (Planning Policy Team Leader) – 01473 432911, anna.roe@ipswich.gov.uk
Matt Deakin – 01473 432490, matt.deakin@ipswich.gov.uk
#J-18808-Ljbffr