Planning Officer

• Ipswich Borough Council

• Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2DE

• Salary: £39,152 - £40,777 per annum

• Hours: 37 hours per week

• Contract: Permanent

• Reference: 0861

Exciting Career Opportunities with Ipswich Borough Council’s Thriving and Expanding Planning Department!

Ipswich Borough Council’s Planning Department is on an exciting expansion journey, and we’re looking for an ambitious Planning Officer to join our Development Management Team.

Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regional centres in England within close proximity to London (one hour by train). Thousands of homes (including a Sustainable Urban Extension of 3,500 homes at Ipswich Garden Suburb) and jobs are planned for the area and the council has a real ambition for regenerating the historic town centre and Waterfront. Ipswich is the largest centre in Suffolk for business, culture, entertainment and sports. A university town with a rich history and heritage and a thriving Waterfront. Backed by successful Towns Fund bids there are a wealth of exciting opportunities in the pipeline.

As part of this role, you will handle a case load of smaller scale planning applications, working closely with a dedicated, collaborative team. Applications will be wide ranging and varied but primarily minor and householder planning applications including listed building consent, applications for consent to display adverts, works to trees, lawful development certificates and prior notifications, as well as some small-scale residential developments. You will also be required to assist in the validating of applications.

About you

Are you up for the challenge?

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. Ideally you would have experience in a similar role but may be a recent graduate. Ideally candidates will be part of the Royal Town Planning Institute or eligible for membership. Effective project management skills and a genuine passion for improving our built environment are a must. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with key stakeholders are essential.

Your hard work will be rewarded with a fantastic benefits package, including a career average pension scheme, generous holiday and sick pay, flexible working hours, payment of annual RTPI membership subscriptions, free swimming, and more, including use of our fleet of Pool cars (including fully electric vehicles) and Pool bikes for business use around the Borough.

We’re all about growth, so personal and professional development opportunities abound. Plus, we’ve got a supportive Employee Assistance Program to help you along the way.

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.

As well as a good salary, we offer 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 and the opportunity to work with great colleagues.

To find out more

For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role please contact Richard Collins on 01473 432901 or via email: richard.collins@ipswich.gov.uk.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf) to find out more about this role.

How to apply

Please apply via our website where you can complete the online application form for this vacancy.

If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process, please let us know so that the appropriate arrangements can be put in place.

Closing date: 30 August 2026

Interview date: week commencing 14 September 2026.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and / or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications

Please note CVs are not accepted.