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Senior Planning Officer
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Ipswich Borough Council
Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2DE
Salary: £44,253 – £46,579 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible
Reference: 0899
This is an exciting opportunity to join Ipswich Borough Council at the start of Local Plan making journey under the new plan-making system and progress a programme of town centre regeneration. Following a re-structure and considering these exciting workstreams, we are looking to expand our team with a motivated, ambitious Senior Planning Officer.
About Ipswich
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 key Town Centre regeneration 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.
About the Role
The role primarily involves shaping the approach to Town Centre regeneration and the preparation of evidence base studies, monitoring and engagement to progress into the next Ipswich Local Plan, which commenced in June 2026. By joining us now, 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. This role will allow the successful candidate the opportunity to further develop their skill set providing analysis and working to support other officers; report writing; project management; the opportunity to write guidance to expand on planning policy, and to get involved in helping to deliver allocations and regeneration by working with developers and site owners as well as input into master-planning larger sites.
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In addition, the role will also afford the opportunity to work closely with the Council’s busy Development Management team.
About You
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Town Planner with a relevant degree or post graduate diploma or an NVQ Level 6 qualification in planning or a relevant field. Membership of the RTPI is required or actively being worked towards.
You will have previous 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.
Why Work for Us?
Your hard work will be rewarded with a fantastic benefits package, including:
- a career average pension scheme
- generous holiday entitlement of 26 days (increasing to 32 days after five years of service)
- full payment of annual RTPI membership subscriptions
- free swimming and gym membership
- flexibility to work from home and in the office
- excellent travel benefits, including free travel on Ipswich Buses, discounts on Greater Anglia rail season and flexi-season tickets, access to a cycle-to-work scheme
- subsidised parking in Ipswich Borough Council car parks for work and leisure
We place a strong emphasis on personal and professional development and career progression. This is complemented by access to a supportive Employee Assistance Programme.
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Join our vibrant team for hybrid working and seize the chance to shape Ipswich’s future. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a growing department that’s making Ipswich an even better place to live!
For More Information
Please read the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf) [https://www.ipswich.gov.uk/sites/ipswich/files/2026-06/K58a - Senior Planning Officer - Planning Policy %281%29.pdf](https://www.ipswich.gov.uk/sites/ipswich/files/2026-06/K58a - Senior Planning Officer - Planning Policy %281%29.pdf).
Please contact the Planning Policy Team Leaders, Anna Roe by calling 01473 432911 or email at anna.roe@ipswich.gov.uk or Matt Deakin on 01473 432490 or via email at matt.deakin@ipswich.gov.uk.
How to Apply
Please complete your application by visiting our recruitment portal https://www.ambitionipswich.com/.
Important Dates
Closing date: 11.55pm, 17 September 2026
Interview date: Week commencing 28 September or 5 October 2026
The selection process will involve an on-site assessment test for candidates who are selected for interview.
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